What kind of hemorrhoids are there

Even a less serious situation can prompt a call to your doctor. If you've been trying to treat hemorrhoids on your own, for instance, yet the hemorrhoid symptoms linger, a doctor visit makes sense. Charabaty-Pishvaian says. In most cases, you can see a general practitioner or your family physician about your hemorrhoid symptoms. If complications arise, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a proctologist.

There are two types of hemorrhoids : external and internal. External hemorrhoids arise from the anal canal, while internal hemorrhoids arise from the rectum, immediately above the anal canal. According to Cuckoo Choudhary, MD , associate professor of gastroenterology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, one type is not worse than the other, but both can cause problems.

Choudhary says. About half of adults over 50 experience this issue. You only see or feel an internal hemorrhoid if they prolapse. Internal hemorrhoids do not cause pain because they are located in an area without any nerve endings. If you are experiencing pain, it may be from a different condition, such as external hemorrhoids, anal fissures or spasms.

Not all internal hemorrhoids are the same or cause the same problems. Physicians classify internal hemorrhoids using the following four grades of severity:. Hemorrhoids can develop any time there is an extra degree of pressure on the rectum. Some sources of this strain include:. If you want to prevent internal hemorrhoids from forming, making some simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing the amount of fiber in your diet and engaging in regular exercise, may help.

Unfortunately, sometimes there is nothing we can do to prevent internal hemorrhoids. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids vary depending on their severity. Pain associated with hemorrhoids is typically caused by an associated condition, such as anal fissures or external hemorrhoids. You may see blood in your stool or notice it on the toilet paper when you wipe. Because this blood has a short path to travel outside the body, it should be bright red.

You may not notice it right away if the bleeding is light. While bleeding is the most common indicator of internal hemorrhoids, you may experience other symptoms if a hemorrhoid prolapses. This typically happens during a bowel movement, and in many cases, the tissue will go back in on its own. In other cases, you may have to push the tissue back in.

In the case of Grade IV hemorrhoids, the tissue will remain prolapsed. A hemorrhoid protruding out the anus can cause discomfort from itching and swelling. Some people even experience soiling due to the prolapsed tissue. Many internal piles treatment options are available to those experiencing symptoms. Some of the most common treatments for hemorrhoids that people are familiar with are aimed at providing temporary relief from pain, itching or general discomfort.

These methods include things like sitz baths , over-the-counter creams and ointments or natural home remedies like aloe vera and apple cider vinegar. Unfortunately, these treatment methods only provide momentary relief, and they only really work for external hemorrhoid symptoms. Internal hemorrhoids treatment must be aimed at addressing the problem long-term by actually removing the internal hemorrhoids.

One option that is less invasive than surgery is infrared coagulation IRC. A medical professional will direct an infrared light to the internal hemorrhoid, and the heat will cause scar tissue to form, cutting off blood flow to the hemorrhoid. About a week later, the dead tissue will fall off, and mild bleeding is likely to occur.

Although initially effective for 7 out of 10 people who have it , this procedure has a known higher recurrence rate than other treatment options available such as rubber band ligation. Another minimally invasive treatment option is sclerotherapy. This straining can occur during a bowel movement but may be related to childbirth, heavy lifting, or certain sports activities.

When an internal hemorrhoid falls prolapses outside the anus, it can cause significant discomfort and may bleed frequently. External hemorrhoids occur in the sensitive anal region and often cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements. Because these hemorrhoids are exposed to external friction, they can also become itchy, irritated, and painful with routine activities such as sitting or walking.

Blood can sometimes pool in an external hemorrhoid and cause a clot thrombus. Thrombosed hemorrhoids can become extremely painful due to inflammation and swelling. We typically, for instance, treat an internal hemorrhoid differently than an external thrombosed hemorrhoid.

One practical and simple step you can take in helping to prevent hemorrhoids from occurring or returning after treatment is to follow a nutritious, high-fiber diet that helps keep your stools soft and regular. This preventive measure is beneficial for either internal or external hemorrhoids. For internal hemorrhoids and some external hemorrhoids, Dr. Clemens prefers infrared coagulation treatment IRC. Possibly best of all, IRC can eliminate the need for hemorrhoid surgery.

For a painful thrombosed external hemorrhoid, Dr. Clemens may recommend a thrombectomy, during which she creates a very small incision in the hemorrhoid that allows the pooled blood to drain. This simple procedure requires no anesthetic and is best performed within three days of the clot formation, which is another reason to not put off seeing Dr.