5 Essential Facts About Internal Hemorrhoids You Need to Know

The American College of Gastroenterology, of which our board-certified specialists are members, reports that nearly half of us will develop hemorrhoids by the age of 50. Not all hemorrhoids are the same. Treatment at Triborough GI depends on our gastroenterologists first understanding the nature of your hemorrhoids – to rule out serious conditions that can cause similar symptoms, to ease the distressing effects of these diluted or swollen blood vessels, and to avoid potentially severe complications (such as strangulated and thrombosed hemorrhoids). Here, we look at five features of a specific type of hemorrhoid.

1. Internal hemorrhoids 101

All hemorrhoids are generally swollen veins in the rectal and anal areas. There are two types; external hemorrhoids are lumps or bumps that develop near the opening of the anus, and internal hemorrhoids form inside of the rectum. They can grow and protrude outside of the anus.

2. Symptoms

Because of the internal nature of these latter-mentioned hemorrhoids, they can be “silent” and may go undetected and untreated. When symptoms are present, our patients often notice bright red blood when they wipe or in the toilet bowl. As internal hemorrhoids grow, a condition called “prolapse,” they may experience pain, itching, and soreness.

3. Causes

Hemorrhoids, in general, develop due to pressure. When the blood vessels or veins around the anus are “stressed,” they may bulge or swell. Certain behaviors can give rise to internal and/or external hemorrhoids. They include chronic straining during bowel movements, obesity, consuming a low-fiber diet, and certain occupations or hobbies that involve lifting heavy objects regularly.

4. Diagnosis

While external hemorrhoids are often felt as lumps and may be seen on visual examination, internal non-prolapsed hemorrhoids are usually identified with special technologies that allow us to see inside the anal canal and lower rectum. Such technologies include a flexible tube equipped with a special camera that is inserted into the area.

5. Treatment

Once we rule out other conditions, lifestyle measures may be the first line of defense. Our specialists may recommend certain products and dietary changes to soften stools and minimize the risk of chronic diarrhea and constipation, two risk factors for hemorrhoids. To help with any symptoms, such as itching and pain, we can also recommend or prescribe creams and/or suppositories.

When internal hemorrhoids persist and remain symptomatic (i.e., continue to bleed), we may recommend procedures such as rubber band ligation or “banding.” This involves disrupting the blood supply to the internal hemorrhoid. Eventually, it will fall off and heal on its own over time. As a specialty center, Triborough GI also offers advanced technologies, such as infrared coagulation therapy. This process involves applying light-based energy to the affected tissue, which generates heat to coagulate and damage the hemorrhoid.

If these symptoms sound familiar to you, or you are due for a preventative screening, contact one of our four offices today — (718) 360-1632 (Bronx), (718) 865-3960 (Bushwick), (718) 710-4906 (Staten Island), or (718) 795-2734 (Brooklyn, NY).

Share this Article