External Hemroids 

What Causes Hemroids and How Often Do the Occur?
The exact process which causes hemroids to form is unknown, but it is believed to be associated with increased pressure within the veins of the rectum. This causes congestion in the hemroidsal veins within the rectum and Excretory Orifice. This increased pressure has been attributed to straining when having a bowel movement. Certain occupations which require prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, and chronic constipation are commonly associated with increased risk of hemroids. 

Hemroids occur both in adults and children, and are treated as a normal finding when they are not creating a problem. Symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and protrusion of the hemroids are most commonly seen in adults between the ages of 20 and 50 years of age. 

What is the Process By Which Hemroids Cause Problems? 
Technically, a hemroids is formed when a portion of the vascular mound of the hemroidsal venous plexus weakens and pushes away from the wall of the rectum. As we stated above this usually occurs after they have been subjected to an increase of pressure in the veins over a period of time. If the blood flow to the hemroids is limited long enough they are ultimately subject to breaking down, ulceration, infection or bleeding.

Internal hemroids begin above the opening of the Excretory Orifice, within the rectum. If they become large enough to protrude from the Excretory Orifice, they become squeezed, irritated and painful. Small internal hemroids may bleed with bowel movements. External hemroids appear outside the Excretory Orifice opening. They are usually not painful, and bleeding does not occur unless a hemroidsal vein breaks or becomes blocked (thrombosis). 

What are some of the Symptoms Associated with Hemroids?
The most common symptoms associated with hemroids are pain, bright red bleeding into the toilet or on the toilet tissues following defecation. Generally, a rectal skin tag (a fleshy piece of skin) may be present hanging out of or from below the rectum. When strangulation or thrombosis of a hemroids occurs severe pain is not unusual. Often there is increased production of mucous or slimy white discharge from the hemroids. 

What are the Complications Associated with Hemroids? 
The most common complication is strangulation, thrombosis, or ulceration and swelling of the hemroids. In rare cases, severe bleeding may occur and lead to anemia. On occasion, bleeding can be extremely heavy and lead to a need for blood transfusion.

What if Any Diagnostic Tests are Needed to Diagnose Hemroids?
Hemroids are easily diagnosed by direct visualization of the hemroids, rectal examination or by using an anoscope or tool to look up into the rectum.