About Rectal Bleeding and Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a very common medical condition, although it is embarrassing to some people. Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in your rectum and anus. Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are often accompanied by rectal bleeding, itching and pain. There are many causes for this medical condition from pregnancy or straining due to constipation to poor diet.

Types

• There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are not felt and usually cause no discomfort. But the sign of an internal hemorrhoid is rectal bleeding. If you see blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet, it can indicate internal hemorrhoids. The surface of the veins is fragile so straining during a bowel movement can tear the surface and cause it to bleed. External hemorrhoids are seen and felt. They are also painful. If the blood pools and forms a clot, the hemorrhoids can be extremely painful.

Significance

• There are five main causes of hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding. The most common cause is digestive issues. Constipation and diarrhea cause hemorrhoids. The straining of hard stools and the repeated elimination of watery stools puts undue pressure on the veins in the rectum. Pregnancy also put pressure on the veins as does obesity. Even sitting or standing for a very long time can add pressure to this area. Genetics may also play a part in getting hemorrhoids.

Considerations

• If the bleeding and pain persists and at-home remedies do not improve the situation, it is a good idea to see your doctor. External hemorrhoids are easy to diagnose. The doctor can see them. Internal hemorrhoids can be harder to detect so a rectal examination is necessary. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into your anus to feel around. But sometimes the hemorrhoid is too soft to be detected. At this point the doctor may want to do a more thorough examination of the rectum by using one of several small scopes available that can look into your rectum.

Prevention/Solution

• For many people hemorrhoids go away in a few days. For ohers over-the-counter medication help with hemorrhoids. There ointments and creams usually contain hydrocortisone which is an anti-inflammatory agent. In some cases surgery may be required. If a blood clot has formed on an external hemorrhoid, the doctor can perform an incision which is a simple procedure. Other surgeries include injection of the area with a chemical to shrink the size of the hemorrhoid. Another technique that can be done in the doctor's office is putting rubber bands around the hemorrhoid to stop circulation so that the hemorrhoids fall off. One or two seconds of infrared light also stops blood from circulating to the hemorrhoid. If none of these treatments work or if you have very large hemorrhoids, surgery may be necessary. The operation is called a hemorrhoidectomy and the hemorrhoids are removed surgically. The operation can be done under local or general anesthesia. Hemorrhoidectomies are usually done on an out-patient basis.

Theories/Speculation

• There are several things you can do that are thought to prevent hemorrhoids or reduce the flare-ups. Improving your diet is the best thing you can do. Eat more high-fiber foods like whole grain cereals, leafy, green vegetables and fruits. Increase your intake of fluids each day, especially water. Take a hot bath to soften the hemorrhoids. Get more active with regular exercise and avoid sitting for long periods of time.