Hemmroid Relief- Know about Internal and External Hemorroids

Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are enlarged, swollen veins that can occur either inside (internal hemorrhoids), outside (external hemorrhoids), or around the anus. External hemorrhoids are often the most painful.

Internal hemorrhoids are not as painful as external hemorrhoids and can range in size from a slight swelling to large, sagging veins that stick out. Internal hemorrhoids may cause painless bleeding during a bowel movement. If you notice blood covering the stool, in the toilet bowl, or on the toilet paper, which is common with internal hemorrhoids, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible. A person may have both internal and external hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include occasional throbbing pain, itching, burning sensation, bright red blood on toilet paper or stool, or a lump of soft tissue protruding outside of the anus.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

Common causes of hemorrhoids are constipation, straining during bowel movements and pregnancy. Constipation is often the culprit if an individual tries too hard to have a bowel movement, which causes the veins to pop out. Hemorrhoids do tend to shrink when pressure is off, but daily straining can make them continually protrude, bleed and hurt. Constipation should always be taken seriously and be treated right away.

While home treatment may be all that is needed to relieve the discomfort of minor hemorrhoids, any rectal bleeding needs to be evaluated by a health professional. In some serious cases, surgery may be needed.