Hemorrhoids are described as masses or cushions of inflamed tissues surrounding the anal canal that is why it is also referred to as piles. The symptoms of this condition can be similar to other diseases but there are ways on how to differentiate this condition from other anal diseases.
Hemorrhoids affect the anal canal. The dentate line determines if the hemorrhoids is internal or external. External hemorrhoids lie below the dentate line while internal hemorrhoids lie above the dentate line. The symptoms of this condition are specific. Therefore knowing the symptoms is one of the ways on how to differentiate this ailment from other anal diseases.
Bleeding due to hemorrhoids is brightly red and occurs with stool or after bowel movements. The blood usually drips into the toilet water. Blood in the toilet paper may also be seen after excretion. When there is hemorrhoidal prolapse, blood stain may also be seen on your underclothes. This condition also cause irritation and itching on the affected area. Incarcerated prolapsed or external thrombosis causes pain. Skin tags and constipation are usually present with the hemorrhoidal disease.
Common Causes of Hemorrhoids
Due to aging, the connective tissues that support the hemorrhoids deteriorate causing bulging and distention in the anal canal. The connective tissues of the anal canal may deteriorate due to the increase of pressure in the intra-abdominal region and result to a prolapse of the anal canal. When the vessels lose support, they become distended.
Other causes include:
•Constipation – the passing of hard stools causes small cuts and tears on the tissues that surround the anal canal causing them to swell.
•Pregnancy – Due to hormonal changes and pressure on the abdomen due to the weight of the fetus, the flow of blood in the anal area is affected and causes the veins to bulge.
•Childbirth – Due to too much pressure and straining during childbirth, prolapsed or thrombosed hemorrhoids may occur.
•Heavy lifting – When lifting heavy objects, the pressure is concentrated on the lower abdomen and increases the pressure on the anal area causing the tissues on the anal canal to bulge.
•Anal intercourse – The insertion of penis in the anus can cause fissures and cuts in the anal veins that can result to inflammation.
Hemorrhoids and Other Anal Diseases
When rectal bleeding is present, rectal cancer should be ruled out. For a younger individual with no family history of cancer, no other systemic symptoms and bleeding is associated with hemorrhoids, sigmoidoscopy or anoscopy is good enough. But, for an older individual who experienced a change in bowel movements and has a family history of colorectal cancer, proximal neoplasia should be ruled out with a complete colonoscopy.
Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are commonly interchanged because they have the same signs and symptoms. Both conditions cause bleeding and pain in the anal area. To differentiate the two, your doctor must efficiently evaluate your anal canal. Hemorrhoids are the swelling of the veins around the anal area while anal fissures are tears or cuts on the skin surrounding the rectum. Anal fissures occur when you are trying to excrete a very large and hard stool that stretches the skin on the rectum and causes it to tear.
Anal fissures can also be due to severe diarrhea that causes trauma to the skin around the rectum. Anal fissures usually cause a burning, sharp and stinging pain during or after you pass your stool. Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are commonly treated at home, but when the pain gets worse and home treatments does not work, you should consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will perform a visual exam on your anal area. Anoscopy may be needed to see the extent of the tear. Anal fissures are usually treated by preventing constipation. They usually heal on their own after a few weeks.
How to Treat the Hemorrhoidal disease
Hemorrhoids are commonly treated with lifestyle changes, modification of diet, non-operative or office procedures and operative hemorrhoidectomy. Usually, a change in diet such as adding more fiber and fluids reduces the symptoms. Grade 3 and Grade 4 hemorrhoids may need surgical intervention.
Keep in mind that a doctor’s evaluation is important if you want to know how to differentiate hemorrhoids from other anal diseases.
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