Types of Hemorrhoids You Must Be Aware Of

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There are some behaviors and habits that may increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids. Although they typically do not result in major health issues, they can be uncomfortable for those who have them. They are even brought on by a variety of conditions, such as constipation, pregnancy, bowel movement strain, aging, prolonged sitting, and excessive weight. However, they typically appear when the veins around the rectum or anus are subjected to excessive pressure. Constipation or diarrhea might result in straining, which can grow into this pressure. This may also occur if a person’s colon isn’t working properly as a result of using laxatives or enemas too frequently.

Hemorrhoids can be internal, external, prolapsed, or thrombosed. Symptoms and severity for each type vary, but can still be treated with the same measures.  Hemorrhoids are commonly treated with a mix of medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments. And in some cases, hemorrhoid surgery may be needed.

Actually, the capacity to correctly diagnose and successfully treat the illness makes knowledge of the many types of hemorrhoids important. The optimal course of treatment must be determined by a precise diagnosis. Furthermore, knowing the kind of hemorrhoid one has will assist that person comprehend how it affects their everyday life and what can be done to get relief. A person’s condition could deteriorate if they postpone seeking medical assistance or obtain the wrong therapy because they lack a thorough grasp of the many types of hemorrhoids.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are the most common type. They frequently cause no pain, and occasionally the only sign of one is the appearance of bright red blood after a bowel movement. Many people only detect they have hemorrhoids when they observe bleeding since there are no sensory nerves, or nerves that experience pain, traveling through the tissues in this location. You could bleed so much in some situations that the toilet turns bright crimson. Hemorrhoids may emerge from the anus during bowel movements if symptoms worsen, and inflammation may follow, producing pain. Internal hemorrhoids can manifest as lumps or a lengthy protrusion depending on their severity.

As mentioned, they are typically not painful, but they can bleed and cause some discomfort. Hemorrhoids can bleed when they get inflamed, which typically happens during a bowel movement. According to their severity, internal hemorrhoids can be divided into four classes, with grade 1 being the least severe and grade 4 being the most severe.

Internal hemorrhoids can be treated with anything from lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications to more invasive techniques like rubber band ligation or surgical excision. Internal hemorrhoids can occasionally prolapse, or pop out of the anus, which can lead to extra discomfort and the requirement for medical attention. A healthcare specialist should be consulted for a precise diagnosis and individualized treatment strategy for internal hemorrhoids.

External Hemorrhoids

In contrast to internal hemorrhoids, external ones are the least common type.  They can be extremely painful and happen at the opening of the anus. They develop beneath the skin around the anus and are easily palpable.

Due to pressure from bowel movements, external hemorrhoids are wart-like swellings that develop in the venous plexus of the skin behind the dentate line. Most external hemorrhoids hurt because sensory nerves travel through the skin outside the anus. They may also suddenly swell and thrombi (blood clots) form, which would be quite painful.

The signs and symptoms of external hemorrhoids are quite similar to those of internal hemorrhoids. However, because they are outside of your rectal area, you can have more pain or discomfort when you sit down, engage in physical activity, or go to the bathroom. The bluish color of the dilated veins is visible beneath the anal skin surface when they inflate, making them easier to view.

External hemorrhoids can be treated with anything from non-invasive methods like sclerotherapy or surgical removal to more intrusive methods like changing one’s diet to include more fiber and water. A healthcare provider should be consulted for a precise diagnosis and individualized treatment strategy for external hemorrhoids.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids that have slipped outside of the anus are known as prolapsed hemorrhoids. They may result in pain, irritation, bleeding, and even itching. Internal hemorrhoids are classified as prolapsed when they enlarge and lengthen to the point where they protrude from the anus. Serious prolapsed hemorrhoids continue protruding from the anus, but less severe prolapsed hemorrhoids emerge from the anus during straining and spontaneously retract when you relax.

Hemorrhoids that prolapse might happen on their own or as a result of straining when having a bowel movement. Additionally, they might get stuck outside of the anus, which would be uncomfortable and possibly difficult to clean. 

Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be treated in a variety of ways, from making lifestyle changes like boosting your intake of fiber and water, to using over-the-counter lotions and ointments, to more invasive procedures like rubber band ligation or surgical removal. Hemorrhoids that have prolapsed can occasionally spontaneously decrease, or return to their usual position inside the rectum, but in other circumstances, medical treatment may be required. In extreme circumstances, a prolapsed hemorrhoid may even necessitate surgery to be removed or corrected in order to prevent further pain or consequences.

Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

Thrombosed hemorrhoids are a type of external hemorrhoid that have developed a blood clot within the vein. This is essentially a complication of a hemorrhoid, in which a blood clot forms. This can cause significant pain, swelling, and a hard lump near the anus. The lump may become red and tender and may be accompanied by bleeding. 

Thrombosed hemorrhoids are often the result of straining during a bowel movement, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting or standing. Treatment options for thrombosed hemorrhoids range from conservative measures, such as applying a warm compress to the area, to more invasive procedures, such as surgical removal of the clot. In some cases, the clot will be reabsorbed by the body and the symptoms will resolve on their own.

If you have worsening discomfort, itching, or inflammation in the rectal or anal region, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. To avoid consequences from a lack of blood supply to your anal or rectal tissue, thrombosed hemorrhoids need to be treated as soon as possible. Even if there is no immediate need for surgery, if the pain is severe or if the symptoms last for a long time, they should be treated at a hospital.

Key Takeaway

Although hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable or even painful, most of the time you will not have any symptoms at all, and the consequences are quite uncommon. If you experience pain or discomfort from your hemorrhoids, or if you see any indications like bleeding or prolapse, call for emergency medical help. Rapid treatment of hemorrhoids increases the likelihood that they will cure without posing any new problems.