Based on the medical definition, hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids are health problems caused by widening of the blood vessels inside or outside the anus. This condition is generally caused by an increase in pressure in the regional vessels in the pelvic area. In addition, hemorrhoids are also often triggered by diarrhea and constipation which requires the sufferer to constantly force himself to defecate. In contrast to external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids tend to be more difficult to diagnose on their own. However, you don't need to worry because in fact, there are some symptoms that you can recognize and be aware of before it's too late.
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Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Step 1. Watch out for bloody stools
Bloody discharge during bowel movements is one of the most common symptoms of internal hemorrhoids.
However, understand that the presence of blood or mucus in the stool can also be caused by other health problems such as anal cancer or colorectal cancer. Call your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms
Step 2. Be aware if you still feel the urge to have a bowel movement even after doing so
Many people with internal hemorrhoids claim to feel like they don't have a bowel movement completely. Most likely, this feeling arises because the swollen veins due to hemorrhoids feel similar to feces that will come out of the anus.
Step 3. Understand that internal hemorrhoids can form lumps around the anus
In fact, internal hemorrhoids are not always in the inner area and you can't feel their presence. While cleaning the anus, you may feel a pink lump coming out of the anus. This condition is known as prolapse or internal hemorrhoids that enlarge and protrude from the anal area. Generally, you will only feel discomfort, but will not feel any pain when experiencing it.
In fact, internal hemorrhoids are not painful because the area does not have sensitive blood vessel fibers and is prone to causing pain
Step 4. Watch out for hemorrhoids if you have multiple risk factors
Although hemorrhoids are generally caused by increased pressure in the pelvic area, some other risk factors that you should also be aware of are obesity, conditions that require you to lift heavy objects, and/or pregnancy. In the case of pregnancy, the presence of the fetus in the womb results in increased pressure on the blood vessels in the lower abdominal area.
Step 5. Treat mild hemorrhoids independently
Most internal hemorrhoids can be treated independently by the patient. The trick, make sure you increase the consumption of fiber and water to soften the texture of the dirt so that it is easier to remove. If the texture of the stool is soft, the internal pressure that can trigger hemorrhoids will automatically decrease.
- Eat fiber-rich foods or take fiber supplements. If you want to take a fiber supplement, make sure you always follow the dosage instructions listed on the package.
- Consume lots of water to keep the body hydrated and the texture of the stool softer. Try to consume 6-8 glasses of water every day.
Part 2 of 2: Getting a Medical Diagnosis
Step 1. Call your doctor if your symptoms don't go away
If you feel you have internal hemorrhoids that don't go away even though you've consumed lots of fiber and water, call your doctor immediately. Health professionals can immediately tell if you really have internal hemorrhoids or other health problems.
- Before seeing a doctor, write down all the symptoms you are experiencing. Also write down all the questions you will ask your doctor and keep trying to soften the texture of your stool.
- Generally, hemorrhoids will not cause pain. However, you can easily notice its presence when you pass stool mixed with blood during bowel movements.
Step 2. Do a health check
The presence of internal or external hemorrhoids can be diagnosed by a doctor through a rectal examination procedure. In this procedure, the doctor will look at the condition of your anus to determine the presence or absence of hemorrhoids and their severity.
Make sure the doctor performs a digital rectal exam (physical exam). During the process, the doctor will put on gloves and insert a finger that has been lubricated into the rectum to check for abnormalities in the anus that should be watched out for
Step 3. Prepare for further tests
If the cause of your rectal bleeding is not hemorrhoids, your doctor will likely order a follow-up test called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, especially since rectal bleeding is one of the symptoms of colon cancer.
- A sigmoidoscopy procedure is performed to examine the rectum area and the lower part of the colon only, while a colonoscopy procedure is performed to examine the entire rectum and large intestine. In both procedures, the doctor will need to insert a special instrument called a colonoscope into the patient's anus.
- Anoscopy and endoscopic procedures can also be used to diagnose internal hemorrhoids. In an anoscopy procedure, the doctor will insert a tube (also called an anal speculum) a few centimeters. into your rectum. Meanwhile, in an endoscopic procedure, the same tube will be inserted further into the rectum or colon.
Step 4. Get medical treatment
Feeling embarrassed or awkward to treat hemorrhoids with the various treatment options provided by the hospital? Hold back your embarrassment because these methods are generally very effective and painless! Some options you can consider are:
- Ligation: Tying the hemorrhoid with a ligature (a special type of thread) to stop blood flow to the area.
- Injection of chemical drugs to reduce the size of hemorrhoids.
- Cauterization: A method that produces heat to burn hemorrhoid tissue.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids.
