A Detailed Look at Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoid is an name given to the medical condition in which there is swelling or inflammation in the veins located around the lower rectum. 

These veins can be classified into several groups, and among them are the internal hemorrhoidal veins and the external hemorrhoidal veins. Internal hemorrhoids, as the very name suggests is a condition affecting the internal hemorrhoidal veins. 

Causes of Internal Hemorrhoids 

When there is increased pressure within the internal hemorrhoidal veins, it leads to the condition known as internal hemorrhoids. The conditions that can cause this kind of pressure are as follows: 

• Putting in too much effort to pass stool

• Sitting for long durations on the pot

• Aging

• Pregnancy

• Obesity

• Chronic Constipation

• Chronic Diarrhea

• Cirrhosis

• Anal Sex

• Low-fiber and high fat diet

Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids 

Internal hemorrhoid symptoms include the presence of bright red blood in the stool, toilet bowl or toilet paper. There is also a discomfort in the anal reason, and the patient will feel full even after passing stool. 

Pain is not generally associated with internal hemorrhoids, unless one of the hemorrhoids protrudes out of the anus. This condition, also known as protruding hemorrhoids can cause pain and irritation. Unless treated properly, a protruding hemorrhoid will always remain outside the body, causing a lot of discomfort and constant soiling of the underwear. 

Diagnosis of Internal Hemorrhoids 

Anytime you notice bleeding from the rectum, you need to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. This kind of bleeding could be indicative of not only hemorrhoids but also other illnesses, such as rectal or colon cancer. To make a diagnosis of internal hemorrhoids your doctor or heath care provider will begin by asking you questions related to your medical history, following it up with a thorough physical exam and some diagnostic tests. 

The doctor will either use an anoscope - a lighted, hollow tube that will help him spot internal hemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, which is used for a more detailed examination of the whole anal canal. Sigmoidoscopy examines only the lower colon region, while colonoscopy focuses on inspecting the entire colon. Both make use of lighted, flexible tubes, which are inserted into the rectum and this helps the doctor figure out the exact cause of the gastrointestinal bleeding. 

Treatment of Internal Hemorrhoids 

Internal hemroids treatment has a three-pronged focus which aims at providing relief from the symptoms of this condition, relief from the pressure on internal hemorrhoidal veins, and modifications of the patient’s bowel habits. 

The treatment may consist of one, all or a combination of the following:

• Warm water baths several times throughout the day

• Use of stool softeners

• Modification of the diet to include more fibrous food and fluids

• Use of medicines to lessen the inflammation or itching

In most cases, patients experience relief within a few days. However, if you notice hardly any improvement in your condition or an internal hemorrhoid protrudes out of the rectum or the bleeding starts again, you may look into the option of surgery. Surgical options include Rubber band ligation, Sclerotherapy, Infrared coagulation and Hemorrhoidectomy. 

Pregnancy & Internal Hemorrhoids 

Fetal pressure on the stomach and hormonal changes are the most common cause of internal hemorrhoids among pregnant women. The internal hemorrhoidal vessels are put under constant pressure during childbirth, very often leading this condition. However the good news is that internal hemorrhoids related to pregnancy are temporary in nature. 

Prevention of Internal Hemorrhoids 

Internal hemorrhoids can be prevented by following some simple and practical method. Try to keep your stool soft, so that there is less friction when they are passed, decreasing the strain and pressure on the anal canal. If you feel the urge to empty your bowels, do not delay and do it as soon as possible. 

Regular exercises and a high fiber, high liquid diet will reduce the chances of constipation, thereby decreasing the possibilities of the occurrence of internal hemorrhoids.