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Understanding Hemorrhoids
Do you know hemorrhoids bother nearly 89% of Americans at some point in their lives? And nearly two thirds of healthy people who get their physical examinations done are told that they have hemorrhoids! So, we know that this condition is fairly common, it's just not talked about since the condition is 'down there'. And that makes it a bit too personal, doesn't it?
Considering millions of people silently suffer from hemorrhoids in varying degrees, it's important to understand what exactly are they? And what kinds of hemorrhoids exist? Well, let's start with the basics. Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are essentially swollen tissues or varicose veins found in the anus and rectum. They can be itchy, painful and bloody, but luckily they can be treated easily, and even prevented in quite a few cases. The condition of hemorrhoids tends to worsen over the years, so it makes sense to get them treated as soon as possible.
Moving onto the various kinds of hemorrhoids, they are either internal or external in nature and are classified according to their origin within the anal canal:
Internal hemorrhoids are clumps of tissue that contain muscle, blood vessels and elastic fibers. They occur higher up in the anal canal and are not visible. Since this area lacks pain receptors, internal hemorrhoids are not painful and you might not be aware that you have them. But when irritated, they can bleed.
If an internal hemorrhoid gets enlarged and goes through the anal opening while straining in the bathroom, it's known as a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid. This kind of hemorrhoid can be painful and difficult to ease back into the rectum.
External hemorrhoids are enlarged and visible blood vessels outside the anus. They are essentially veins that have ballooned and are covered by skin. External hemorrhoids usually seem blue in color and are largely asymptomatic. But when inflamed, they become tender and red. External hemorrhoids are more common in young and middle aged adults, rather than older people.
When a blood clot develops or a vein ruptures inside an external hemorrhoid it can cause a lot of pain. This is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid and can be felt as a firm, tender mass about the size of a pea in the anal area.
If you notice some bleeding down there, make sure to visit your doctor to diagnose the cause as hemorrhoids and not some other medical condition.
Do you know hemorrhoids bother nearly 89% of Americans at some point in their lives? And nearly two thirds of healthy people who get their physical examinations done are told that they have hemorrhoids! So, we know that this condition is fairly common, it's just not talked about since the condition is 'down there'. And that makes it a bit too personal, doesn't it?
Considering millions of people silently suffer from hemorrhoids in varying degrees, it's important to understand what exactly are they? And what kinds of hemorrhoids exist? Well, let's start with the basics. Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are essentially swollen tissues or varicose veins found in the anus and rectum. They can be itchy, painful and bloody, but luckily they can be treated easily, and even prevented in quite a few cases. The condition of hemorrhoids tends to worsen over the years, so it makes sense to get them treated as soon as possible.
Moving onto the various kinds of hemorrhoids, they are either internal or external in nature and are classified according to their origin within the anal canal:
Internal hemorrhoids are clumps of tissue that contain muscle, blood vessels and elastic fibers. They occur higher up in the anal canal and are not visible. Since this area lacks pain receptors, internal hemorrhoids are not painful and you might not be aware that you have them. But when irritated, they can bleed.
If an internal hemorrhoid gets enlarged and goes through the anal opening while straining in the bathroom, it's known as a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid. This kind of hemorrhoid can be painful and difficult to ease back into the rectum.
External hemorrhoids are enlarged and visible blood vessels outside the anus. They are essentially veins that have ballooned and are covered by skin. External hemorrhoids usually seem blue in color and are largely asymptomatic. But when inflamed, they become tender and red. External hemorrhoids are more common in young and middle aged adults, rather than older people.
When a blood clot develops or a vein ruptures inside an external hemorrhoid it can cause a lot of pain. This is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid and can be felt as a firm, tender mass about the size of a pea in the anal area.
If you notice some bleeding down there, make sure to visit your doctor to diagnose the cause as hemorrhoids and not some other medical condition.
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