What do hemorrhoids look like?
Like many others, you are also asking the question: “what do hemorrhoids look like? Let me start by telling you that hemorrhoid which is also known as pile.(1) Before getting to the bottom part of this article, your knowledge of hemorrhoids will definitely be way more than before.
Disclaimer
This article is only a general information and discussion about the topic. Information and other content gotten herein should not be taken as medical advice, and the information and discussion should not be substituted for professional and medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor and other qualified health professionals regarding your health and medical conditions.
What is Hemorrhoid?
A hemorrhoid is a pillow-like cluster of veins which sits beneath the mucous membranes which line the lowest part of the anus as well as the rectum.(2)
Sometimes, many of us think they are an external part, but that is, in fact, quite the opposite of what they actually are. Hemorrhoids are part of the body and located at the intersection where small arteries meet to merge into veins.(3)
Perhaps, you must be thinking right now that they look and sound like something that should be pretty normal in the body – yes they are. Then why do they become an issue? Benjamin Wedro gave a simple answer to it – the moment they start swelling and causing pain, itches and or bleeding.(4)
It is believed that hemorrhoids are one of the frequent causes of rectal bleeding. They usually clear up within a couple of days and believed not to be that dangerous to cause much harm to the body. However, it is important one sees his or her doctor in order to know more about it.(5)
Internal and External Hemorrhoids
There are internal hemorrhoids which are covered with cells that also line the rest of the intestines; the internal hemorrhoids are located above the pectinate line. The internal hemorrhoids are deep inside the rectum that they are not visible.
The external hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are covered with cells which look exactly like the skin and they arise below the line.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
The symptoms of internal and external hemorrhoids might be quite different from the other; some people nevertheless have a mixture of both. According to Z. Sun and J. Migaly, around 40% of people with pathological hemorrhoids have no major symptoms.(6)
While the size of the hemorrhoids is small they can go unnoticed, without significant symptoms. However, as they increase in size their presence and their effects are increasingly noticeable.
The main symptoms of Hemorrhoids that can occur are:
- Moist and pink bumps around the edge of the anus
- Moist and pink bumps bulging out from the anus
- Bleeding: in the form of red blood, usually in small amounts staining stool or toilet paper.
- Pain, itching, and discomfort around the anus
- Pain: Especially during anal dilation for stool deposition, this pain can be acute and intense during defecation or sordid, deep and continuous.
- Itching (itching): Continuous, very violent.
- Rectal Tenesmus: This is the constant feeling of need for defecation.
The symptoms associated with hemorrhoids make stooling very uncomfortable, which might lead to constipation which is the main factor causing hemorrhoids.
In pregnancy, especially during the final months, the continuous pressure of the dilated uterus on the rectum and anus increases the pressure and, consequently, the development of hemorrhoids. After childbirth, however, they usually return to the previous situation in a few hours or days.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are known to affect the response of the blood vessels in the rectal region. This pressure can come from different sources and typically cause pain and irritation. There are various reasons for having hemorrhoids and knowing these reasons can help change your lifestyle and minimize the pain they cause.(7)
Constipation
Constipation is regarded as the leading cause of hemorrhoids. This causes strain on the rectal region during bowel movement, putting pressure on the blood vessels, which in turn causes swelling and irritation. A tense bowel movement can also cause bleeding of the blood vessels in the rectal region. Thus, preventing constipation is one significant step in preventing and minimizing the effects of hemorrhoids.
Pregnancy
Another leading cause of hemorrhoids is pregnancy which increases pressure on the blood vessels in the rectal region. Hormonal changes are known to cause swelling and irritation. Pregnancy hemorrhoids are usually for the time being.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency is the third leading cause of hemorrhoids. This condition occurs when the blood vessels in the region of the rectum are weakened, thus causing pressure, swelling and irritation. The pressure can be duplicated when sitting or standing for a long time. Physical activity and smoking in combination with CVI can cause irritation of the rectal blood vessels in overweight persons.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome can be a reason for hemorrhoids, especially if the irritable bowel syndrome is dominated by constipation. Diarrhea is also known to exert extra pressure on the rectal blood vessels.
Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is a condition in which the pressure in the blood vessels is increased from the intestine to the liver. This condition can cause hemorrhoids due to increased blood flow and pressure.
All types of hemorrhoids can cause irritation, pain, and bleeding in the region of the anus and rectum. It is important to know the cause or causes of your hemorrhoids for future prevention. You may want to take a closer look at your diet or make changes in your lifestyle to reduce the symptoms.
Prevention of Hemorrhoids
Foods Rich in Fiber
Give preference to foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, oats, yogurt, nuts, and nuts) and drink plenty of fluids because they help soften the stool and facilitate evacuation.
Avoid Irritants
Avoid irritants such as pepper and alcohol, especially during crises. Contrary to what they say, they are not the cause of the disease, but they aggravate the symptoms.
Go to the Toilet Promptly
Respond promptly to the urge to use the toilet. Otherwise, the stool may dry out in the final segment of the large intestine. Once finished, instead of using toilet paper, it is best to take care of local hygiene with warm water. The friction of the toilet paper irritates the mucosa and can cause cracks that facilitate the contamination by microorganisms. If you have no other choice, moisten the toilet paper before using. Wear intimate cotton clothing
Don’t stay too long in the Bathroom
Remember that the bathroom is neither a reading room nor a place for meditation. Staying in the vessel for a long time increases the pressure on the veins of the anus and can aggravate the hemorrhoid disease. If the bowel did not work, walk around and try again later.
Exercise Regularly
Practice regular exercise, even if you are pregnant. They are important in the fight against the "trapped gut" because they help decrease the pressure on the veins of the hemorrhoid plexus and control the weight since obesity and pregnancy are risk factors for the appearance of hemorrhoids.
Do not be deceived. Not all bleeding from the anus is caused by hemorrhoids. Signs of blood on toilet paper, toilet water or underwear may occur in serious illness. Bowel cancer is just one example. Seek immediate medical attention from a general practitioner or a proctologist.
Images from: Commons.Wikimedia.org, Flickr.com
Disclaimer
This article is only a general information and discussion about the topic. Information and other content gotten herein should not be taken as medical advice, and the information and discussion should not be substituted for professional and medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor and other qualified health professionals regarding your health and medical conditions.
Sources and References
- Wikipedia, “Hemorrhoid” - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemorrhoid
- Harvard University, “Hemorrhoids and what to do about them” - http://www.health.havard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/hemorrhoids_and_what_to_do_about_them
- MedicineNet, “Hemorrhoids, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Relief” - http://www.medicinenet.com/hemorrhoids_piles/article.htm
- MedicineNet, “Hemorrhoids, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Relief”
- WebMD, “What are Hemorrhoids” - http://webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-basics
- Z. Sun & J. Migaly, “Review of Hemorrhoid Disease: Presentation and Management” (March 2016) - https://www.nchi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755769
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, "Symptoms and Causes of Hemorrhoids" https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes
- US National Library of Medicine,"Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management" - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342598/
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