Bleeding Hemorrhoids!

Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Bleeding hemorrhoids are a bloody pain in the ass (apologies to all of our allies in the UK). If you have a bleeding hemorrhoid, you have internal hemorrhoid. An external hemorrhoid does not bleed. If you have external bleeding, it is likely caused by an anal fissure. Because a hemorrhoid is swollen or strangulated veins, if it is scraped by hard stools or stretched during bowel movements, it will bleed. The blood from bleeding hemorrhoid can appear on toilet paper after wiping, or as red or reddish streaks in the stools. It is very important to note that any bleeding from the rectum can indicate a more serious condition, and should be examined by a physician as soon as possible. Visit your doctor for more information on bleeding hemorrhoid.

Thrombosed bleeding hemorrhoids are caused by blood pooling in a distended vein and forming a clot, or thrombus, in the outer region of the anus. These particular hemorrhoids usually cause a great deal of pain, as well as some swelling and itching, but they don’t bleed.

Many studies show that low-fiber diets can cause small-caliber stools, which result in the need to strain upon defecation. This increase in pressure can cause engorgement or enlargement of hemorrhoids, which in turn interferes with venous return. Conditions like pregnancy and unusually high tension of the sphincter can also cause problems with hemorrhoids. Decreased venous return is considered to be the mechanism of action. Spending an extended period of time on the toilet (e.g., while reading) is thought to cause some venous return problems in the perianal area (causing an effect much like a tourniquet), which can result in enlarged hemorrhoids. Additionally, aging can cause a weakening of anal support structures, which can facilitate prolapse. The term "aging" is relative - this weakening of support structures can begin at age thirty.

Constipation and consequential straining have long been considered to be major culprits in the development of hemorrhoids. This is not necessarily the case. In patients with hemorrhoids, an abnormally high anal canal muscle resting tone has been discovered. An interesting point to note is that this resting tone lowers after a hemorrhoidectomy. The mechanism of action of Lord dilation is this change in resting tone.