A simplified guide to the hemorrhoid diagnosis process

A simplified guide to the hemorrhoid diagnosis process

The majority of people with hemorrhoids discover them in many ways. The most common sign that many people notice is blood during bowel movements, either in the stool or on the tissue they used to wipe themselves while passing the stool. Some people may notice or feel a lump near their anus or feel pain when voiding. Itching and anal discomfort may also occur, which people may notice when sitting down for long periods of time.

If you have noticed any of these signs, it is possible that you have hemorrhoids. However, keep in mind that these signs and symptoms are also associated with other gastrointestinal disorders such as cancer and infections. It is important that you go to your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs so that the necessary tests are carried out so that a proper diagnosis is made, mainly to rule out more serious problems, but also to immediately relieve your condition.

During your exam, doctors generally ask a few questions about your symptoms and how long you have been observing them. These questions are followed by a series of physical, non-invasive examinations to determine the cause of your anal bleeding or pain. This means that there are no instruments inserted into you and your doctor only sees the appearance of your anus. A careful examination of your anal area and your symptoms is generally enough to rule out other medical conditions, which include anal fissures, skin conditions around your anus, and infections.

If your hemorrhoids are protruding and located near your anus, a diagnosis can be easily made through simple observation. Your hemorrhoids may appear as lumps protruding from your anus or may be determined by dark pigmentation on the skin surrounding your anal area. Hemorrhoids found in this location are called external hemorrhoids. A tender lump means your hemorrhoids are bleeding and may be the root of the blood you found in your stool.

If your anus looks normal, a digital rectal exam will be performed. In this test, your doctor carefully inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your anal canal to check for any swelling or lumps. Hemorrhoids in your anal canal are called internal hemorrhoids. However, there are cases where these hemorrhoids also protrude towards your anus and turn into external hemorrhoids.

Once your doctor determines that you have hemorrhoids, no further tests are necessary. Your doctor will only need further tests if you have a severe form of hemorrhoids. For example, you have a lot of hemorrhoids in your anal canal or there is heavy bleeding. These types of hemorrhoids require invasive procedures such as anoscopy using an anoscope. An anoscope is similar to a slim telescope that is inserted into your anus to get a clearer view of your anal canal. In severe cases of hemorrhoids, surgery is often required.

If you are diagnosed with hemorrhoids and your doctor does not need to operate on you, there is no need to worry. Hemorrhoids are not fatal and will eventually go away on their own. Various home remedies for hemorrhoids can help make the healing process easier to endure and take simple steps to ensure that you do not experience cases of hemorrhoids in the future. It is important that you take immediate action and see your doctor if you notice anything that suggests an underlying health problem so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be provided.

Inspired by James S Timoteo