Core Columns

External hemorrhoids are probably the most well known type of hemorrhoid because this is the type of hemroid that has the most recognizable symptoms. Most people are aware that hemorrhoid may be itchy, painful, and uncomfortable. In some cases they may even bleed. You may even be able to see or feel an external hemorrhoid right at the anal opening.

Internal hemorrhoids are usually harder to diagnose because they aren’t painful, usually the only sign of an internal hemorrhoid is bleeding. The interior of the anal canal has no pain sensors hence no pain. Colon cancer can also be indicted by anal bleeding so this needs to be eliminated as a possible source of your symptoms. Usually correctly diagnosing hemorrhoids will require a colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer and polyps.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids are when an internal hemorrhoid becomes so swollen and distended that it pokes out of the anal cavity. There is a grading symptom in place which ranks the severity of the condition. Sometimes prolapsed hemorrhoids can be just manually placed back inside the anal canal.

A strangulated hemorrhoid happens when the anal muscles seize up trapping a prolapsed hemorrhoid outside of the anal canal. Both the prolapsed hemorrhoid and the strangulated hemorrhoid are more serious than just a simple internal hemorrhoid; this is why it is important to start a hemroid treatment plan as soon as you discover that you have a problem.

For most people, hemorrhoids are an annoyance and are easy enough to treat and manage without the problem causing significant problems in day to day life. Only a few people end up experiencing a lot of pain and very few people end up actually requiring surgery. But still it’s important to not just self diagnose or ignore important symptoms such as bleeding. Avoiding the doctor and ignoring symptoms could potentially make the condition worse.

You can’t argue that many Americans have a very unhealthy diet. Quite simple most Americans don’t get the required amounts of fiber that are needed to prevent hemorrhoids, the average American only gets around 15 grams of the recommended 20 to 30 grams of daily fiber. The effect that fiber has on your body is important because it softens your stools and it increases the rate of your bowel movements. A softer stool will cause less strain which in turn prevents any new hemorrhoids as well as hemorrhoid flare ups due to any already existing hemroids. If you think that the ideal amount of fiber is an unrealistic goal for your diet even if you include fruits, bread, and vegetables then you might consider taking a powdered fiber supplement which you can sprinkle on just about anything you can eat. It will turn out better in the long run if you try to prevent hemorrhoids instead of treating them later.