What Are Symptomatic Hemorrhoids?

While we think of hemorrhoids as a disorder, they are part of everyone's anatomy. Hemorrhoidal cushions, also known as anal cushions or rectal cushions, refer to the vascular structures that are present in the anal canal. These three cushions help to maintain continence by providing a seal at the anus. When these cushions become swollen or inflamed, they can lead to the development of symptomatic hemorrhoids.

Symptomatic hemorrhoids can be caused by many factors, including straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, pregnancy, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms may include pain, itching, bleeding, and discomfort.

They are categorized into four grades (based on severity).

• Grade 1
  Grade 1 hemorrhoids are small, distended blood vessels in the anal lining and are usually not visible or palpable. They may cause some bleeding during bowel movements but typically don't cause pain or discomfort.
• Grade 2
  Grade 2 hemorrhoids are larger than grade 1 and may protrude outside the anus during a bowel movement but will usually return inside on their own. They may cause pain, itching, or discomfort and may also bleed. In some cases, a grade 2 hemorrhoid may require manual repositioning back inside the anus.
• Grade 3
  Grade 3 hemorrhoids refer to internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed (bulged outside the anal canal) and require manual repositioning (pushing them back inside). They may cause discomfort, pain, bleeding, and itching.
• Grade 4
  Grade 4 is the most serious category of symptomatic hemorrhoids. They are severely prolapsed and will not stay within the anal canal even with manual repositioning—grade 4 hemorrhoids cause the most severe symptoms.

What Are the Different Types of Hemorrhoids?

While there are four grades of symptomatic hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids can develop in several ways. They might be internal, external, or thrombosed.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are bulging veins in the lower rectum – just above the anus -- that can cause painless bleeding during bowel movements. They are usually not visible or felt unless they prolapse and protrude outside the anus.

Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids may include painless bleeding, itching, and discomfort. They are usually caused by persistent constipation, but they are also linked to obesity, pregnancy, and other factors that put pressure on the veins in the rectum. 

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop around the anus (below the lower rectum), just beneath the skin. They can cause pain, itching, and discomfort, especially during bowel movements.

They are generally caused by increased pressure in the veins of the rectum, which can be due to excess force during bowel movements, pregnancy, obesity, or other factors.

Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

Thrombosed hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in the anal or rectal area that have developed a blood clot. They can be extremely painful, particularly when sitting or during bowel movements. While most thrombosed hemorrhoids are external, some can develop internally.

While thrombosed hemorrhoids can be very painful and uncomfortable, they are not usually considered dangerous. However, in rare cases, complications can occur, such as infection or the formation of an abscess. 

What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoid symptoms might differ based on the hemorrhoid grade and type.

Some common symptoms include the following

• Itching
• Burning
• Pain
• Bleeding

Hemorrhoids can also cause a full sensation in the rectal area.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoid diagnosis requires taking the patient's medical history, performing a physical examination, and employing diagnostic imaging to visualize internal hemorrhoids. The physician might use the following diagnostic techniques and tools

• Anoscopy
  During an anoscopy procedure, a small, flexible tube called an anoscope is navigated into the anus to examine the rectal area. The anoscope has a light and a lens that allows the doctor to see inside the rectum and identify any hemorrhoids that may be present.
• Colonoscopy
  While a colonoscopy is not usually used to check for hemorrhoids specifically, during a colonoscopy, a doctor examines the rectum and lower part of the colon, which may reveal the presence of internal hemorrhoids.
• Digital rectal examination
  A digital rectal examination, or DRE, requires the physician to place a gloved finger into the anal canal to look for abnormalities or growths.
• Sigmoidoscopy
  Sigmoidoscopy uses a flexible, lighted tube outfitted with a camera to view the lower part of the colon and rectum.

Texas Hemorrhoid Institute: Providing Dedicated, Non-Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment

Texas Hemorrhoid Institute is at the forefront of minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatment, with a team of highly experienced, compassionate specialists who are dedicated to providing the highest level of care.

Our state-of-the-art equipment and techniques ensure precise and effective symptom relief tailored to each patient's unique condition. We are committed to patient comfort, safety, and successful outcomes.

If you struggle with symptomatic hemorrhoids, please get in touch with our team of compassionate care professionalsget in touch with our team of compassionate care professionalsget in touch with our team of compassionate care professionals today.