Hemorrhoid is now a common condition found among individuals belonging to all age groups. Not fatal, hemorrhoids can still rob your peace of mind and cause physical discomfort. Hemorrhoids can be classified into internal and external hemorrhoids. The tissue that supports the anal veins in the anal canal becomes weak and swollen, sometimes. This condition is internal hemorrhoid. External hemorrhoids are found near the anal opening. Of these two kinds of hemorrhoids, the internal one is very elusive and not found very easily.

The occurrence of internal hemorrhoids inside the rectum/ anal canal makes it impossible for anyone to feel it. The clotting of blood in the varicose veins of the anal canal region goes undetected, if we do not observe the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids that are very obvious. There are no pain receptors in the anal canal region and so internal hemorrhoids are not very painful, in the beginning stages unlike external hemorrhoids. When the inflamed hemorrhoids start bleeding, we realize the possibility of suffering from hemorrhoids.

Treatments are done for internal hemorrhoids so that they do not develop into grave conditions like prolapsed hemorrhoids and strangulated hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are pressurized to the level of protruding from the anus and this is termed prolapsed hemorrhoids. When these prolapsed hemorrhoids are jutting outside the anus, the blood supply is completely stopped to the hemorrhoids resulting in strangulated hemorrhoids.

Causes of internal hemorrhoids

The main cause of internal hemorrhoids is straining or pressurizing the anal muscles during the bowel movement. There are many other factors that are responsible for internal hemorrhoids like sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, sitting or inactivity for a long period of time, heredity, continuous instances of diarrhea and constipation, obesity and low fiber dietary intake.

Signs of internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are not externally seen so, when you have pain in the anal region, you must pay special attention to the following symptoms.

• Rectal bleeding is the prominent symptom for both external and internal hemorrhoids. Spots of blood may appear in the toilet tissue when you wipe the region after bowel movement. Blood may be seen in the toilet seat, toilet bowl and even the stool. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectal canal, so you experience internal bleeding. This blood may leak from the region, even if there is no bowel movement.
• In its attempt to heal the internal hemorrhoids, your body might secrete mucus. This mucus can cause itching sensation and when it flows outside from the anal region, it results in irritation around the anus.
• Another major sign of internal hemorrhoids is the urge to defecate constantly. The bulging internal hemorrhoids will pressurize the anal cushions and create the need for relieving. The urge becomes greater, if the hemorrhoids are larger.
• Pain is another symptom of internal hemorrhoid. Internal hemorrhoids are less painful than external hemorrhoids. When the internal hemorrhoid becomes large, it begins to jut out of the anus and this result in severe pain during bowel movement. Sharp pain indicates that the blood supply is restricted to the hemorrhoids.

Prevention of internal hemorrhoids

You can prevent the occurrence of internal hemorrhoids by making a few sensible changes in your lifestyle and food habits.

• Alter your dietary patterns and food habits. A healthy diet keeps you fit and away from diseases. Eat many servings of fiber rich fruits and vegetables, every day. Opt for fiber rich whole grains in your meals.
• Drink plenty of fluids and water. Water streamlines the functions of digestive system and bowel movement. Hence, no chances of constipation.
• Working out or exercising is very important, if you are overweight or obese. It is required that you keep your weight in check to avoid unnecessary health risks including internal hemorrhoids.
• Lifting weights more than what you can bear can strain the muscles of your anal passage. Do not strain yourself by lifting loads of weight.
• Be physically active and don't lead a sedentary life.
• Get adequate rest and sleep. Avoid stress in any form.
• Don't stress your anal muscles by straining them while defecating. Use laxatives to have a smooth bowel movement.

Remedies for internal hemorrhoids

There are natural and surgical remedies for curing internal hemorrhoids.

• You can take a dietary supplement instead of a fiber- rich diet. This will enhance your blood circulation, smoothen your bowel movement and strengthen the walls of the veins in the anal region.
• You can use a cream that reduces the pain and irritation in the rectal region.
• Many doctors prescribe medicines or pills for internal hemorrhoids but if the symptoms persist, you must seek the help of a doctor immediately.
• Rubber band ligation, Galvanic electrotherapy, Sclerotherapy, Infra red coagulation and Hemorrhoidectomy are the surgical procedures and therapies to remove the internal hemorrhoids. You can opt for these procedures in the advanced stage of internal hemorrhoids, only after a consultation with an authorized doctor.