What You Don’t Know About Hemorrhoids Could Kill You -- Research Summary

WHAT ARE HEMORRHOIDS?: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. It is a common problem that can be painful, but it’s usually not serious. Veins can swell inside the anal canal to form internal hemorrhoids or they can swell near the opening of the anus to form external hemorrhoids. It is possible to have both types at the same time. The treatment and symptoms depend on which type you have. (Source: www.webmd.com)
CAUSES: Too much pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal are causes of hemorrhoids.

Normally, tissue in the anus fills with blood to help control bowel movements. Straining can increase pressure and cause the veins in this tissue to swell and stretch, resulting in hemorrhoids.
Diarrhea or constipation may also lead to straining.
Pregnant women can get hemorrhoids during the last six months of pregnancy. This is due to increased pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area. Straining to push the baby out during labor can make them worse.
Being overweight can also lead to hemorrhoids. (Source: www.webmd.com)

INTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS: With internal hemorrhoids, you might see bright red streaks of blood on toilet paper or bright red blood in the toilet bowl after you have a normal bowel movement. You may also see blood on the surface of the stool. They are often small, swollen veins in the wall of the anal canal. However, they can be large, sagging veins that bulge out of the anus all the time. (Source: www.webmd.com)
EXTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS: External hemorrhoids can get irritated and clot under the skin, causing a hard painful lump. This is called a thrombosed, or clotted, hemorrhoid. (Source: www.webmd.com)

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Sergey Kantsevoy, MD, PhD
Clinical Professor of Medicine
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Director of Therapeutic Endoscopy
Institute of Digestive Health and Liver Disease
Mercy Medical Center
410-332-9040