On occasion, the veins located in the rectal area and around the anus become altered. The result is hemorrhoids or piles, veins which have become swollen and inflamed. Two kinds of hemorrhoids exist and these are internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.

The ones that are external appear on the tissue surrounding the outer area of the anus and rectum. They usually itch and can be painful. If a blood clot were to form inside the swollen blood vessel of an external hemorrhoid, the risk of thrombosis is increased. The eventual bursting of the vein resulting in thrombosis could be hastened along by the external inflamed veins, irritation and resultant tissue damage. In this case the swollen vein is a dark, solid mass.

Internal hemorrhoids occur within the rectum and must be detected by a sigmoidoscopy, which is a process that includes putting a camera inside the rectum. Because the majority of tissue in the rectum does not have nerves, internal hemorrhoids are not normally a source of pain to the sufferer. These hemorrhoids might never make themselves known to the patient.

Internal hemorrhoids often get discovered because of rectal bleeding. When a person with internal hemorrhoids has a bowel movement, the hemorrhoids become inflamed and they start to bleed. A scarlet colored stain on the toilet paper or a bright red and slick layer over the feces is usually how the bleeding is revealed. If you experience this kind of bleeding, it is vital that you contact your physician right away.

A major complication of internal hemorrhoids is known as hemorrhoid prolapse. When this occurs, the swollen vein that is supposed to stay within the rectum, comes outside of it. From no existing prolapse to prolapse occurring during excretion when the tissue slips back inside, to prolapse which happens during excretion and must be pushed back inside, to the state of permanent prolapse when the tissue which has slipped out cannot be pushed back, there are four mild though problematic degrees in which prolapse may become apparent.

There is a chance of a particularly unpleasant sounding condition of strangulated hemorrhoids developing because of internal hemorrhoids. When this happens the prolapsed hemorrhoid does not return inside but instead becomes trapped by the anal sphincter outside. As the sphincter is tightly clenched, blood flow ceases to the hemorrhoid.

Hemorrhoid formation can be provoked by activity-related stress on the inferior and superior rectal arteries. Stools which are too hard because of lack of enough fiber in the diet may cause hemorrhoids as they damage the rectal walls. Stress is also placed on the arteries by standing or sitting for long periods of time. Hypertension, pregnancy, poor musculature, obesity, and diarrhea can also be causes of hemorrhoids.

If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you are familiar with the itching, bleeding and soreness that they bring about. Fortunately, there are a variety of options for thrombosed hemorrhoid treatment. Visit Getting Rid of Hemorrhoids to find the information you need to deal with this condition.