What causes external hemorrhoids?
The most common cause of external hemorrhoids is repeated straining while having a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids develop when the veins of the rectum or anus become dilated or enlarged and can be either “internal” or “external.” External hemorrhoids are usually found beneath the skin that surrounds the anus.
Recognizing the symptoms of external hemorrhoids
There is a range of symptoms that can affect a person with hemorrhoids. Symptoms tend to vary depending on the severity of your hemorrhoids. Some of the symptoms that you may have include the following:
- itching around the anus or rectal area
- pain around the anus
- lumps near or around the anus
- blood in the stool
You may notice bleeding when using the bathroom. This includes seeing blood on toilet paper or in the toilet. Lumps around the anus may feel as if they are swollen.
These symptoms may also occur because of other conditions. But if you experience these symptoms, you should schedule an exam with your doctor.
What are the causes of external hemorrhoids?
The most common cause of hemmorhoids is repeated straining while having a bowel movement. This is often caused by severe cases of constipation or diarrhea. Straining gets in the way of blood flow into and out of the area. This results in the pooling of blood and enlargement of the vessels in that area.
Pregnant women may also be at an increased risk of hemorrhoids because of the pressure that the uterus places on these veins.
What are the causes of external hemorrhoids?
The most common cause of hemmorhoids is repeated straining while having a bowel movement. This is often caused by severe cases of constipation or diarrhea. Straining gets in the way of blood flow into and out of the area. This results in the pooling of blood and enlargement of the vessels in that area.
Pregnant women may also be at an increased risk of hemorrhoids because of the pressure that the uterus places on these veins.
Who is at risk for external hemorrhoids?
If your parents have had hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to have them as well. Hemorrhoids may also be caused by pregnancy.
As we age, hemorrhoids can occur due to increased pressure caused by sitting a lot. And anything that causes you to strain during bowel movements can lead to external hemorrhoids.
If you’re not sure what the cause of your hemorrhoids may be, your doctor might be able to determine why.
Because many of the symptoms of external hemorrhoids can also be caused by other conditions, it is necessary to have an in-depth exam. Your doctor may use a series of tests to confirm the presence of external hemorrhoids near the anus. These tests may include:
- proctoscopy
- digital rectum exam
- colonoscopy
- sigmoidoscopy
- anoscopy
Your doctor may begin with a physical exam. In cases of external hemorrhoids, they may be able to see the hemorrhoids.
If your doctor suspects that you have internal hemorrhoids instead of external hemorrhoids, they may use an anoscopy to examine the inside of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids can also be seen with colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or proctoscopy.
Treating external hemorrhoids :
Hemorrhoids can be treated a few ways depending on severity. Your doctor may ask if you have any preference for certain types of medications or treatments.
Some general treatments that your doctor might suggest include ice packs to reduce swelling, suppositories, or hemorrhoid creams.
These options can offer relief to individuals who have a milder case of hemorrhoids. If you have a more severe case, your doctor may suggest treatment with a surgical procedure.
Surgical treatments include:
- removal of hemorrhoids, known as hemorrhoidectomy
- burning of hemorrhoid tissue with infrared photo, laser, or electrical coagulation
- sclerotherapy or rubber band ligation to reduce the hemorrhoids
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