What Causes Hemorrhoids And Where Are They Located?
Hemorrhoids can be very painful and disruptive, affecting many people worldwide. They are often caused by factors like constipation, diet, and lifestyle habits. You need to understand hemorrhoids' causes, symptoms, and potential complications in order to prevent piles and manage their symptoms effectively. This article provides simple and important information about hemorrhoids, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
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| What Causes Hemorrhoids And Where Are They Located? |
What Causes a Hemorrhoidal Flare-Up?
Hemorrhoids or piles (inflammation and excessive dilation of the hemorrhoidal veins) can cause painful flare-ups. You need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of inflammation, and when a flare-up occurs, medications are available to treat it. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
The primary cause of hemorrhoidal flare-ups is constipation, as it leads to repeated straining to evacuate stools.
Certain foods also seem to trigger flare-ups, including meats, spicy dishes, coffee, tea, sodas, and various alcoholic beverages.
A diet low in fiber and insufficient hydration causes stools to harden, making their passage difficult and contributing to hemorrhoids.
Medical Sources:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that constipation is a major risk factor for hemorrhoids due to straining during bowel movements.
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) highlights dietary changes, including increasing fiber intake, as a primary preventive measure.
Where Are Hemorrhoids Located?
Hemorrhoids (or "piles" as sometimes called) are a specific network of veins called hemorrhoidal veins, which are part of the anatomy of the anal canal and anus. They help with continence (the ability to retain stools and gas).
Internal hemorrhoids, located higher up in the anal canal, are sensitive to the pressure from gas and stools. These are generally not painful, even when dilated.
External hemorrhoids are located under the skin around the anus, which is highly sensitive to pain.
Medical Sources:
The Mayo Clinic explains that external hemorrhoids cause discomfort due to their location in the highly sensitive anal area, while internal hemorrhoids often remain painless until prolapse occurs.
What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
The symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease vary depending on the individual and the location of the hemorrhoids. They can either appear as an acute hemorrhoidal crisis or persist continuously.
An acute hemorrhoidal crisis is marked by sharp pain, visible or hidden bleeding, and sometimes the protrusion of internal hemorrhoids outside the anus. It can be complicated by hemorrhoidal thrombosis.
Pain During a Hemorrhoidal Crisis
External hemorrhoid flare-ups are characterized by a small lump at the edge of the anus, the same color as the skin. The formation of a clot often causes intense pain, as the anus is highly vascularized and sensitive. Internal hemorrhoidal crises are usually not painful.
Medical Sources:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, thrombosed external hemorrhoids can be extremely painful and often require medical intervention.
Bleeding with Hemorrhoids
Since hemorrhoids are very superficial blood vessels, hemorrhoid bleeding is common. Internal hemorrhoid bleeding is typically mild and usually only visible on toilet paper during or after a bowel movement.
Medical Sources:
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) notes that rectal bleeding is a common symptom of internal hemorrhoids, but persistent bleeding should be evaluated to rule out other conditions.
Hemorrhoidal Prolapse
When internal hemorrhoids are severely dilated, they may protrude outside the anus, especially during straining—this is called hemorrhoidal prolapse.
It can cause irritation, itching, or a frequent urge to have a bowel movement without result.
Medical Sources:
Johns Hopkins Medicine states that prolapsed hemorrhoids may require manual reduction or medical procedures if persistent.
Potential Complications of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoidal flare-ups typically resolve within a few days but tend to recur. They often cause bleeding, and if the bleeding is heavy and frequent, it can lead to anemia.
The main complication is strangulation of the hemorrhoids at the anus, which causes severe and persistent pain, particularly if a clot forms (hemorrhoidal thrombosis).
Medical Sources:
The Harvard Medical School notes that untreated severe hemorrhoids may lead to chronic blood loss and anemia.
Red Blood vs. Black Blood
Blood in the stool can appear in two forms. If it’s visible and red, the issue is necessarily located in the lower part of the intestines.
If the blood is black, it has been "digested" and transformed, indicating that it comes from higher up in the digestive tract.
Black blood is rarely visible in the stool, except in cases of significant hemorrhaging, which may cause black, particularly foul-smelling stools.
Usually, only a laboratory test can definitively detect the presence of black blood.
Medical Sources:
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) warns that black or tarry stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding and should be assessed by a doctor.
Conclusion
To manage a hemorrhoid crisis, you need to understand their triggers by adopting healthier habits. By improving your diet, staying hydrated, and seeking medical advice when necessary, you can reduce the risk of flare-ups and improve your quality of life.
Remember, while hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, proper care and treatment can make a significant difference. Always consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Medical Sources:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends lifestyle modifications as a key strategy for preventing and managing hemorrhoidal disease.
