The Truth about External Hemorrhoids

The Truth about External Hemorrhoids

Mesoth.net - Before we delve into the world of external hemorrhoids, it’s vital to understand what general hemorrhoids are.

When the veins around the anus or the lower rectum become swollen or inflamed then it leads to the condition known as hemorrhoids or piles.  There are two types of hemorrhoids.

A simple definition of these two types of hemorrhoids is that if the hemorrhoids form inside the lower rectum then they are internal hemorrhoids, while if they form near the end of the canal near the anus they are called external hemorrhoids.

When hemorrhoid vessels enlarge into a sac-like protrusion around the anus, these from external hemorrhoids.  Likewise, if there is protrusion of blood vessels inside the rectal canal then this is called internal hemorrhoids.

The cause for the formation of hemorrhoids is not quite clear.  But if the pool of blood in the external hemorrhoid forms a clot or what’s known as a thrombus, then the hemorrhoid is referred to as a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

Chronic constipation is the main contributor to these kind of swelling.  Here follows a few other reason why these swelling can occur:

• Infection of the anus
• Anal intercourse
• Being overweight
• Vomiting
• Prolonged sitting
• Prolonged standing w/ overweight
• Pregnancy
• Sneezing

Because the skin around external hemorrhoids is rather sensitive, it can be very painful, more so than internal hemorrhoids.  External hemorrhoids usually form in the anal anal where the tougher outer skin changes into a mucous membrane.

External Hemorrhoid Symptoms

The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are:

• Severe pain in the anal region
• A lump in the anal region
• Swelling in the anal region

Along side the aforementioned symptoms, irritation, burning sensations, and itching in the rectal region can occur.  Sometimes the diagnosis of external hemorrhoids can become difficult because these don’t show the same symptoms from individual to individual.

To deal with this, doctors will usually do a medical history to try and figure out what the problem is and properly diagnose the condition.  This is important so that the painful condition can be taken care of.

Some of the most common treatments for hemorrhoids focus on relieving the pain.  Sitz baths and ice packs are used for this purpose.  Other helpful tips are to drink lots of water and include plenty of fiber in your diet to soften stools.  Over-the-counter medicines and ointments will help with the itching and inflammation associated with the formation of hemorrhoids.

Because thrombosed external hemorrhoids are more severe and, thus, more painful, pain medicines may be prescribed to deal with the pain.  Surgery may be the only solution for grave conditions.

External hemorrhoids will normally take quite a few days to heal.  Reducing constipation will help to deal with the pain during these period of healing.  Including daily exercise in your routine will help to reduce constipation.  Again, adding fiber and water to your diet will help.  Try to maintain soft stool so as to decrease pressure, straining, and overall chances of getting hemorrhoids.

By : By : dr. Mary Collings

Next Article : Hemorrhoid Pathophysiology

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