Symptoms
of Hemroids?
Hemroids are abnormally
swollen veins in the rectum and anus. It is usually
quite simple to diagnose this condition from the
symptoms of hemroids. Hemroids are like the varicose
veins you might see on a person’s legs and
when these bulging veins are irritated, they cause
the surrounding membranes to swell up. Hemroid
symptoms include burning or itching, pain and
even bleeding.
Signs and symptoms
of hemroids
When the hemroids are
small, they are not usually painful and you may
not even be aware of any hemroid symptoms.
It is when a hard
lump starts to protrude from the anus, signaling
thrombosis, that a severe pain can be felt.
“Piles”
can appear at the opening of the anal passage
after straining when having a bowel movement.
These piles are
usually soft lumps in bunches but they may become
hard if thrombosis occurs.
If a hemroid becomes
strangulated – that is cut off from its
blood supply – a clot can form in it so
that it becomes an excruciatingly painful thrombosed
hemroid. When this happens, a clot can form in
the hemroid.
The signs and
symptoms of clotted hemroids are a smooth black
or purple appearance with a very hard surface.
There is a feeling that there is a growth protruding
from the anus. Such a condition should be treated
immediately as if left alone, it can take a long
time to go away.
Ordinarily, there
is mucus covering to these piles and this can
become damaged quite easily from a bowel movement,
thereby causing bleeding. Sufferers may notice
some bleeding from spot marks on the toilet paper
to bright red blood in the stool as another symptom
of hemroids.
There can be a
mucus discharge.
Very occasionally,
there is severe bleeding.
Itchiness is another
hemroid symptom. Hemroids can be extremely itchy
but avoid the temptation to scratch as this can
only aggravate the problem.
Internal hemroids occur inside the rectum below
the anus lining. They are less noticeable because
they are deep inside the rectum. They usually do
not cause any discomfort and are mostly harmless.
Sometimes an internal
hemroid may stretch down until it bulges outside
your anus. This is called a prolapsed hemroid.
A prolapsed hemroid will go back inside your rectum
on its own, or you can gently push it back inside.
Watch out for this hemroid symptom.
External hemroids
develop near the anus and are covered by a thin
layer of skin.
Both internal
(very occasionally) and external hemroids can
rupture and then bleeding will occur.
During pregnancy
or at the onset of the actual delivery, hemroids
can be common so be mindful of any hemroid signs
and symptoms at this time. This is because the
veins in the anal and uterine area become very
swollen from the pressure of carrying the weight
of an unborn baby.
Hemroids may bleed
if the pregnant woman becomes constipated; the
stool rubs against the vein and is then pushed
hard against it, causing the vein to burst. So
be very careful to avoid becoming constipated
by watching your diet and drinking plenty of water.
Once the rectal
veins have been stretched out and hemroids created,
they are difficult to get rid of completely and
tend to recur with less straining that it took
to cause them in the first place.
Conclusion
The good news is: firstly
that your hemroids can be treated; secondly your
can improve your lifestyle habits (with a suitable
diet and plenty of exercise) to ensure that you
avoid the signs and symptoms of hemroids in the
future; and thirdly there is no link between hemroids
and bowel cancer.
Often hemroids will disappear
without treatment and if you are so fortunate,
then it is important as we have said to avoid
any recurrence by improving your diet so as to
ensure you do not become constipated in the future.
And if you do require treatment the same advice
applies. Drink lots of water and fruit juice and
include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in
your diet. It is also important to increase the
fiber content of your daily diet with more cereals,
nuts and whole-wheat breads. You can even take
fiber supplements. Start a program of regular
exercise as this helps to keep the bowels regular.
Not only will you avoid those hemroid symptoms
appearing again but your health will benefit in
so many ways.
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