4 Different Types of Hemorrhoids and Their Treatment
Piles or hemorrhoids are swollen venous cushions that develop in the lower rectum and anus. If you are suffering from piles, know that you are not alone. It is a very common occurrence and nearly 3 out of 4 adults can have this health issue. Even if this disorder is common, people are not aware of the fact that there are different types of piles. In this article, we will elaborate on the 4 common types of hemorrhoids that one can suffer from.
Different Types of Hemorrhoids
The 4 common types of Hemorrhoids are as follows:
- Internal Hemorrhoids
- External Hemorrhoids
- Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
- Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Internal Hemorrhoids
These are hemorrhoids that occur on the inside of the rectum. They are not usually noticeable as they form too deep inside the anus to be properly visible. Internal hemorrhoids generally don’t tend to be serious and can go away on their own.
Because of their location, they are usually asymptomatic. But if they grow larger, patients might experience discomfort and bleeding. These enlarged internal piles can even hang outside of the anus. Some of the symptoms of larger internal hemorrhoids are itching, fresh bleeding before, during, or after the passing of stool, and swelling or lumps near the anus.
It is advisable to consult an expert Proctologist as soon as you notice these symptoms.
External Hemorrhoids
They develop on the anus or around it. These external hemorrhoids are palpable lumps that form beneath the skin that surrounds the anus. This type of hemorrhoid is what people think of when they imagine how piles look like.
Many of the symptoms that patients report include itching and swelling around the anal orifice. Since the external hemorrhoids are located outside the rectal area, they may sometimes get infected, in that case, one may experience a sudden onset of a severe painful hard lump around the anal orifice, discomfort while sitting down, during bowel movement, or while engaged in physical activities.
In general, they are not a very serious medical problem unless there is sustained bleeding and severe pain. Consult a specialist immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort because of such type of hemorrhoids.
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
Prolapsed hemorrhoids are basically internal hemorrhoids that grow big enough to protrude out of the anus. These hemorrhoids are classified into 4 grades based on how far they stick out of the anus:
- Grade 1– They are present inside the anal canal and never come out.
- Grade 2– The soft mass comes out of the anus during passing stool which goes inside as soon as the act is over.
- Grade 3– The mass comes out when passing stool but does not go in spontaneously, a gentle push with a finger is required to get it inside. This might require treatment to avoid more pain or infections.
- Grade 4– They are always prolapsed and cannot be pushed back in. These need to be treated immediately to prevent further complications.
Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Thrombosed hemorrhoids are swollen vascular tissues that develop blood clots (Thrombosis) inside. The blood clot obstructs blood from flowing, thus producing pain while walking, sitting, or passing stools. These hemorrhoids appear in the form of lumps around the anus.
The symptoms that may accompany thrombosed hemorrhoids are-
- Redness and swelling
- Itchiness around the anus and immense pain
- Bluish colour develops around the hemorrhoid area
- Rectal bleeding during bowel movement
Thrombosed hemorrhoids might not be dangerous but can be very painful and hence should not be ignored. Visit a nearby Proctologist and get your piles examined and treated.
Treatment for Your Type of Hemorrhoids
If you are suffering from any of the forms of piles that are mentioned above, it is recommended that you seek the medical attention of an experienced Proctologist. Dr. Arnab Ray is a practicing Proctologist at Beelive with 20+ years of rich experience and handled 2000+ anorectal surgeries with a high success rate. You can consult him to get proper treatment for relief from painful piles.
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