Author’s note: hemorrhoids are normal human anatomy. They are problematic when they become inflamed and irritated and cause pain and discomfort. For the sake of this post, when we refer to ‘hemorrhoids,’ know that we are referring to symptomatic hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are a common condition that will affect more than half of American adults over 50. They are inflamed blood vessels in your rectum or anus that can cause pain, itching, swelling, irritation, and general discomfort.
There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. This guide will cover the differences between the two types of hemorrhoids. We’ll also take a look at hemorrhoidal symptoms, causes, and treatments for each kind as well as how to prevent future flare-ups.
If you’re struggling with hemorrhoids, you’ll want to get rid of them as fast as possible. The first step towards healing is determining which hemorrhoid types you have: external vs. internal hemorrhoids. To know if you have internal hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids, there are a few key signs:
Both internal and external hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels, and they have similar causes, but they differ in the symptoms.
If, while determining which kinds of hemorrhoids you have, you notice bleeding or extreme pain, it’s essential to see your doctor to rule out more severe conditions.
Internal hemorrhoids are veins of blood vessels inside your anus that have become enlarged and irritated. People with internal hemorrhoids don’t often feel them but are alerted to their presence by bleeding during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids can get in the way of bowel movements, causing further irritation and complications.
Internal hemorrhoids may cause a feeling of pressure, but most sufferers won’t feel them at all. However, excess strain can sometimes cause an internal hemorrhoid to be pushed outside of the anus, becoming painful, especially during bowel movements.
Internal hemorrhoids have similar causes to external hemorrhoids. They are a result of pressure and strain on the body, specifically in the anal region.
Internal hemorrhoids are veins of blood vessels inside your anus that have become enlarged and irritated. This type of hemorrhoid presents fewer symptoms, but the symptoms can be more alarming. Internal hemorrhoid symptoms are
While internal hemorrhoids tend to remain painless, prolapsed hemorrhoids can become painful and may require medical attention.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids are what happens when extra pressure is exuded on an internal hemorrhoid. While internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum, they can push downward and burst out through the anus.
Added pressure on internal hemorrhoids is what can cause a prolapse. That extra strain can be due to a number of different factors, such as:
Prolapsed hemorrhoids share some overlap with symptoms we typically associate with external hemorrhoids – a small lump or lumps, insignificant bleeding, and itching, pain or irritation. Prolapsed hemorrhoids also produce some symptoms specific to the condition, however, including:
External hemorrhoids are typically preceded by internal and prolapsed hemorrhoids. If you are able to catch and treat internal hemorrhoids before they cause external flare ups, you may be able to prevent the associated pain and irritation that comes with external hemorrhoids.
In short, external hemorrhoids are caused by pressure. This pressure can result from a a number of things:
Constipation puts a great deal of strain on your body during bowel movements causing blood to engorge hemorrhoidal blood vessels around your anus. Pressure can also come from diarrhea, which makes the diet a critical factor in the causes of hemorrhoids. A diet rich in fats and carbs can cause irregular bowel movements, constipation, and diarrhea.
Additionally, any other factors that cause changes to your digestive system mean you are at risk for external hemorrhoids, such as age, obesity, and pregnancy.
External hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels on the outside of your anus and are characterized by the following symptoms.
External hemorrhoids can make sitting down and bowel movements cause pain and discomfort.
Whenever you feel you may be suffering from internal or external hemorrhoids, it’s always the best choice to consult with your doctor and get a diagnosis first before beginning any external hemorrhoids treatment.
An official diagnosis can help direct your treatment and make it more effective. It’s essential to see your doctor if you’re suffering from chronic flare-ups or your hemorrhoids are getting in the way of living everyday life. Internal hemorrhoids bleeding also causes for a doctor’s visit to prevent any severe side effects.
Internal hemorrhoids treatment and treatment for external hemorrhoids range from natural remedies and over-the-counter products to surgical options, which your doctor can arrange.
These out of the home procedures are usually reserved for stubborn and recurring hemorrhoids. If you notice that your symptoms aren’t going away after a week or two of using the following treatments, please consult your doctor.
At-home options for treating hemorrhoids are plentiful and very effective in reducing the symptoms in most cases. These treatments are affordable and accessible just about anywhere medication is sold and are powerful in their ability to bring you relief.
Hemorrhoid creams and ointments provide instant relief from itching, burning, pain and swelling. These over-the-counter hemorrhoidal products are easy to find, affordable, and act fast.
All of our hemorrhoid products are specifically developed by a board-certified proctologist with more than 30 years of patient experience and contain both medical and natural ingredients that promote healing and symptom relief.
A sitz bath is a soothing way to cleanse and soothe your hemorrhoids and kick-start the healing process. These plastic baths fit over your toilet seat and, when filled with warm water and Epsom salts, can effectively soothe. You may also find relief if you are itchy. Using up to three times per day for around fifteen minutes each time, sitz baths are calming and cleansing.
Oral pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can bring pain relief and reduce swelling. Still, they will not help heal your hemorrhoids and won’t help if you are itchy. Tylenol is excellent at reducing pain, while Advil is an anti-inflammatory, which can bring down any swelling you are experiencing.
Treatment is a great way to get rid of your hemorrhoids, but now you have to make sure to avoid any future flare-ups. The good news is that prevention is easy.
Since hemorrhoids are often the result of difficult bowel movements, it’s imperative to ensure regular, easy bowel movements going forward. That means that a lot of prevention will lie in your diet, hydration, and exercise. Let’s take a look at these more closely:
It’s vital to know the difference between external hemorrhoids and internal hemorrhoids so that you understand which route to take for treatment. After reviewing this page, if you’re still unsure if you’re struggling with internal or external hemorrhoids, it’s essential to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
In the meantime, we hope you find some relief with the treatment options we’ve listed. Be sure to find rapid relief from the brand developed by a proctologist and expert in treating hemorrhoids – Doctor Butler’s.
Find multiple solutions for relieving pain, swelling, burning, itching, and general discomfort of hemorrhoids with Doctor Butler’s.
We want you to find relief from both internal and external hemorrhoids fast, so shop for Doctor Butler’s hemorrhoid treatments today!
