HEALTH PRODUCTS ARTICLE
External and Internal Hemorrhoids
There are
two types of hemorrhoids - external and internal. An external
hemorrhoid is the
inflammation of the soft tissue on the outside of the anus, whereas an
internal
hemorrhoid is the inflammation of the anal tissue that resides within
the rectum.
External
hemorrhoids are easier to diagnose and treat than internal hemorrhoids.
Since
they are located on the exterior of the anus, the bumps caused by blood
filling
the tissue can be felt and seen.
The bumps,
known as piles, are usually raw, sore, and itchy. Bright red blood may
be found
on the toilet paper following a bowel movement. Pain when sitting is
common
with external hemorrhoids and getting rid of them for good can feel
like a
nightmare.
External
hemorrhoids are more likely to respond to home-care remedies such as
over-the-counter products (creams, pads, etc.), sitz baths, and good
personal
hygiene practices. These remedies alleviate the discomfort and the
hemorrhoids
usually disappear entirely within a few weeks.
Many cases
of internal hemorrhoids are not painful and are not noticed until blood
appears
in the stools or streaked on toilet paper following a bowel movement.
Internal
hemorrhoids can also cause a non-painful, persistent urge to move the
bowels,
even when there is no necessity to do so.
However,
large internal hemorrhoids can be very painful, especially during a
bowel
movement, and cannot be treated with creams, ointments, and pads
because of
their internal location.
Very large
internal hemorrhoids that swell and protrude through the anal opening
are said
to be prolapsed hemorrhoids.
Prolapsed
hemorrhoids can be painful and are often accompanied by heavy blood and
mucous
discharge. Mucous that seeps from the hemorrhoid causes severe itching
and
irritation of the anus and surrounding area.
Prolapsed
hemorrhoids, if they are not too swollen, can be gently pushed back
into the
rectum to reduce pain and discomfort when wiping or sitting. Prompt
medical
attention should be sought if you think you may have a prolapsed
hemorrhoid.
A prolapsed
hemorrhoid that is too swollen to push back into the rectum may become
strangulated. Strangulated
hemorrhoids also occur
when a clot has formed in its blood supply.
That is,
the blood supply to the hemorrhoid has been cut off, resulting in
excruciating
pain. Strangulated hemorrhoids require emergency medical attention. If
you’re
unsure whether you have internal hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids,
it’s
always best to consult your physician.
Check Out Our Recommended Hemorrhoids Cure
Health and Humor
Voltaire
(and your grandmother) recognized long ago
that humor and laughter are good for you. You've probably noticed
yourself that
you simply feel better after a good belly laugh. The problem, of
course, is
that your sense of humor generally abandons you right when you need it
the most
– on the tough days. But if you manage to bring your sense of humor to
your
daily conflicts on your job, your relationship with your spouse and
children,
and your health or financial problems, you'll go a long way toward
improving
the quality of your life; and you'll boost your physical health and
well-being.
– Paul E. McGhee, PhD
“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died. ”
- Erma Bombeck
Note: The good
folks at the FTC require me to disclose that I am an affiliate of the
companies that manufacture and market the health products you will find
on this website, and that these companies will compensate me if you buy
any of these products.
– Dave Tishendorf