What is an Internal Hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids result from the application of pressure in the anus and rectum.
Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external, depending on their location. Internal hemorrhoids are located deep in the rectum, far from where anyone can observe. Internal hemorrhoids may go undetected or even be misdiagnosed because of this. In addition, since there is fewer pain sensing nerves in the rectum, the patient may not experience pain at all.
More commonly, internal hemorrhoids can be detected by bleeding. This will usually happen and be seen during visits to the bathroom.
If left untreated, internal hemorrhoids can develop in four stages, and the last will involve great and unbearable pain and discomfort. It is important to control the condition early enough to avoid having to suffer the latter stages of the condition. These four stages are:
- Grade 1
At this point, the internal hemorrhoids are deep in the rectum and cause little or no discomfort. Bleeding from the rectum may be noticed once in a while, but the condition is much less serious at this point.
- Grade 2
At this stage, the internal hemorrhoids start to hang outside the rectum and can be very uncomfortable. The hemorrhoids have weakened and are prolapsed. At this point, the hemorrhoids adjust back into the anus naturally, with no need for any effort on the part of the patient.
- Grade 3
This is a step further from grade 2, and the hemorrhoids do not naturally push themselves back into the anus. The patient has to manually push them back into the anus.
- Grade 4
At grade 4, the hemorrhoids are very painful and cannot be pushed back into the anus. Contraction of the sphincter muscles of the anus can cause great pain in the hemorrhoids.
Treatment of internal hemorrhoids depends on the stage of the condition. This is why it is important to understand the grade of internal hemorrhoids a patient is suffering from. There are many home treatments available for internal hemorrhoids, but patients are still advised to first visit the doctor before starting off on any medication. This is because it is easy to self treat yourself in the wrong way, and this will allow the internal hemorrhoids more time to develop. Treating the hemorrhoids in the early stages is much easier than treating the advanced stages of the condition.
With that said, it is much better to prevent internal hemorrhoids than to treat them. You can do this in many ways. The most effective is by including fiber in your diet. Fiber is an essential part of a hemorrhoid diet since it helps to prevent constipation by promoting a healthy digestive system. Constipation is a major cause of hemorrhoids since it causes pressure on the anal and rectal veins, making the flow of blood to become slower. Good sources of fiber are vegetables and fruits such as cabbage and oranges.
Another effective way to prevent the development of internal hemorrhoids is by doing stretching exercises. This especially applies if you normally have to sit or stand for long periods of time. Stretching will adjust the flow of blood in the lower part of the body, and this will in turn prevent the development of internal hemorrhoids.
If you notice that you have internal hemorrhoids, you need to visit the doctor. Improving your diet and sitting in warm water are some ways through which you can get rid of the hemorrhoids. There are also several herbal remedies available for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids
How are internal hemorrhoids diagnosed?
The diagnosis of the internal hemorrhoid is easy with a rectal examination. If the doctor fails to identify internal hemorrhoids using the finger using an "in and around" movement inside the anal area, there will be a need for a thorough, deeper anal examination. This can be done by means of an anoscope. An anoscope is a tube and a few inches long in length, which allows it to easily examine the anal tract.
A bulk of therapies on the market these days use artificial chemical substances to alleviate the ache and itching. But this provides only temporary aid. Numerous patients report that this kind of option really doesn't provide them any relief. Organic treatment therapies can be used to avoid this issue entirely, and have the extra benefit of also addressing the cause, as well as increasing the blood flow of your veins - reducing further flare-ups. Herbal medications are successful for treating symptoms of internal hemorrhoids; nonetheless, you should also take actions to treat the problems lead to severe conditions.
Remedies you can find in your home
The easiest home remedy for internal hemorrhoids is to have a sitz bath. It can be done by sitting in a bath tub containing warm water. Submerse your hips and buttocks in water and it is always advisable to sit there for at least 10-15 minutes. Warm water certainly reduces the swelling and the blood flow in the area will get increased as well. It should be repeated 3-4 times a day to get good results. Another effective method is to drink radish juice a few times per day. You can add a pinch of salt in the juice as it is found effective in reducing a feeling of burning and inflammation.
Place a small piece of garlic in the rectum will bring a great relief and it can be done up to three times per day. Peel a clove of garlic and insert it into the rectum when you go to bed and keeping it there till next morning will be really effective for addressing the issue of hemorrhoids. You cannot undermine the importance of exercise and muscles around lower pelvic regions should be strengthened. Regular exercise helps to improve the blood circulation in these areas. All the above mentioned home remedies should only be done after consulting a doctor.
Internal Hemorrhoids at a glance
-It develops above the dentate line.
-Covered by anal mucosa.
-Lacks sensory innervations hence painless.
-Bright red or purple in color.
-Untreated hemorrhoids can develop in four grades.
