A Better Understanding of Hemorrhoids

The physiology of hemorrhoids is quite different from how it is popularly understood by the populace. Physiologically speaking, it is a mass of tissue that serves as a supporting mechanism in stool control. It is also referred to as a cushion like clump that is filled with connective tissue, veins, and arteries that aids in allowing stool to pass through the anal canal smoothly. The hemorrhoid cushion also aids in protecting the muscles of the anal sphincter from damage as the stool passes by during bowel excretion. Because it has a steady supply of blood direct from the arteries, one of the most common symptoms of an abnormality in the hemorrhoidal cushions is bright red bleeding. There are two classifications of this abnormal condition: internal and external.

Internal hemorrhoids are dangerous because this can lead to a gangrenous condition wherein blood vessels die from the loss of blood supply due to spasms of the anal sphincter. In this case, immediate medical attention is recommended and surgery may become necessary. Some of the signs that there is an internal swelling on the cushions include the secretion of mucus in the rectal area and an unusual moistening of the anus and the skin that surrounds it. This wetness often leads to itching, pain during bowel movement, rectal bleeding, stool that is wrapped in bright red arterial blood, or blood sticking to the toilet paper or on the toilet bowl.

External hemorrhoids have more definite signs. You would immediately know that you have this condition if you feel a lump that protrudes from your anus. And unlike the internal swelling of the hemorrhoidal cushions, the external lumps often do not cause bleeding and exhibit none of the symptoms of the internal condition. However, there is also an underlying danger to this condition: thrombosis or the clotting of blood in the blood vessel of a vein or artery. Because the hemorrhoidal cushion is still filled with veins and arteries, there is still a possibility of the occurrence of blood clots. This would also require the attention of a medical professional.

If you are not suffering from swollen hemorrhoidal cushions, be it internal or external, it would really be best to keep yourself that way by doing some minor changes to your diet. This entails eating more food that are rich in fiber, drinking your eight full glasses of water every day (more if you can handle it), giving yourself enough rest. You would also need to stay away a little bit from activities that put too much pressure on the abdomen.