What exactly are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are a common disease, although it must be said that we are born with them and they have an important function in fine continence, that is, sealing the rectum. They are the erectile tissue in the rectum, still above the anal canal. One speaks of a disease only when they are enlarged. This disease is called hemorrhoidal disease.

The majority of people have enlarged hemorrhoids. Every second adult has to be treated for it in the course of his life.

Reasons for pathological changes are, for example, strong pressing and long sessions during bowel movements; this causes blood to back up, which changes the vessels. But also lack of exercise, overweight, poor or one-sided diet, connective tissue weakness and also pregnancy has an influence on the condition.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

Blood in the defecation

What does it mean? These are symptoms that may indicate hemorrhoidal disease. Bright red blood on the toilet paper, blood on the anus or blood in the stool immediately tempt many patients to think of colon cancer. In most cases, the cause is not malignant. An examination by a specialist provides certainty about the diagnosis and leads to the all-clear regarding cancer and the right treatment.

Itching at the anus

Often itching also occurs as a symptom and affects the patient more than bleeding. Itching at the anus is caused by over moisturization of the anal skin due to permanent mucus production of the pathological hemorrhoids. It can be compared to a cold, in which the skin around the nose becomes inflamed and forms eczema. The patient also feels these secretions as unpleasant sweating in the pore sometimes accompanied by stool smear. This also leads the patient to mistakenly believe that he or she is incontinent.

Pressure in the rectum or permanent urge to defecate

If they are enlarged, they press on the very sensitive anus and give the patient the feeling of an urge to defecate. This feeling increases even during or after defecation, so that he gets the impression of suffering from constipation. But strong pressing makes them swell additionally and thus has a very negative effect. This leads to a vicious circle.

Anal prolapse, protruding swollen hemorrhoids

High-grade enlargements can cause loosening of the mucous membrane in the anus. As a result, they may protrude during defecation, urination or even spontaneously in an upright position. This is not only very frightening for the patient, but also sometimes painful and accompanied by the previously mentioned symptoms such as itching, burning, bleeding as well as a feeling of pressure.