External hemorrhoids are where the veins around the anus are inflamed and swollen. It is usually painful and the condition can make it almost impossible to sit down in a comfortable manner. There are two basic types of hemorrhoids, which are internal or external with the external hemorrhoids being the most obvious. In order to know whether or not you are suffering from such a condition, it is important to make sure that you understand the symptoms of the condition.

Symptoms Of External Hemorrhoids

Generally external hemorrhoids are not life threatening and the symptoms will go away within a matter of a couple of days. While some people do not experience any symptoms at all, others find that they have blood in their stool, in the toilet bowl, or on the toilet paper. There could be a hard lump that forms on the outside of the anus and it can be extremely painful.

While it may seem that this is something that only the older population gets, thanks to television shows and movies, anyone between the ages of twenty and fifty will get at least one case of external hemorrhoids in their life time. In fact, at least half of the population will have had a case of hemorrhoids by the time they reach fifty years of age.

Diagnosing External Hemorrhoids

If you believe that you may have external hemorrhoids, it is important to make sure that you are seeking treatment from a medical doctor. Unless you are completely sure of your problem, you do not want to do any at home treatments in case there is a bigger issue at hand that is being ignored such as cancer. For those who have had hemorrhoids before, they will have no problem figuring out what they have.

A doctor will simply evaluate the anus in order to look for blood vessels that are swollen. A gloved finger may have to be used to diagnose exactly what is going on and in some cases; an anoscope will have to be used. The anoscope is a lighted tube that can help detect any possible internal hemorrhoids.

Causes of External Hemorrhoids

Extreme abdominal pressure such as pregnancies and overly straining when trying to pass a bowl movement can cause external hemorrhoids. It is also believed that a person holding their breath while lifting heavy items can later find himself or herself facing hemorrhoids.

External Hemorrhoid Treatment

When it comes to treatment, many people will be advised to try at home treatments to see if the problem will correct itself. In many cases, the problem can be fixed with no problems at all. There are medicated creams that can be used and it is also advisable to sit in warm baths for about ten minutes several times a day. If the home treatments do not work there are other things that can be done.

A chemical solution known as sclerotherapy can be used. It is injected around the swollen blood vessels that in turn shrink the hemorrhoid. Truly severe external hemorrhoids may require a surgical procedure known as hemorrhoidectomy.

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