External hemorrhoids occur below the dentate line of the anal canal. Common types of external hemorrhoids include thrombosed, connective tissue, varicose and inflammatory external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be caused by constipation or straining during bowel movements, leading to rupture of veins around the anus and the formation of round hematomas under the anal skin.
The chief expert in proctology at Zhengzhou explains that there are four types of external hemorrhoids:
1. Varicose external hemorrhoids: Swelling under the anal skin after prolonged squatting or straining, with visible varicose veins that do not immediately subside.
2. Inflammatory external hemorrhoids: As introduced by the chief expert in proctology in Beijing, damage or infection of the anal skin leads to protrusion of the anal skin folds, presenting with redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
3. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids: Caused by inflammation of the anal veins or excessive straining during defecation, resulting in the formation of blood clots in the venous plexus around the anus, causing subcutaneous swelling and pain.
4. Connective tissue external hemorrhoids: Chronic inflammation stimulates repeated episodes, leading to local fibrosis and proliferation of connective tissue around the anus, forming a skin tag, also known as redundant skin external hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids can cause certain harm to the body, mainly manifested in the following ways:
The chief expert in proctology at Zhengzhou explains that the harms of external hemorrhoids include:
1. Although it is said that external hemorrhoids are less likely to bleed, this does not mean that bleeding is impossible. Bleeding can occur if the external hemorrhoid is scratched or inflamed, and long-term bleeding can lead to anemia.
2. Since external hemorrhoids are ball-like growths outside the anus, they block the anus. When gas is produced, due to insufficient pressure, it often stays trapped inside. About 7-10 liters of gas enter the intestines daily, but most of it is absorbed by the intestinal walls. Approximately 0.5 liters are expelled from the intestines. Farts are bodily waste gases, mostly composed of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane. The prolonged presence of waste gases in the body, with high density, can cause abdominal bloating or put excessive pressure on the blood vessels, affecting the normal contraction of the heart, leading to insufficient blood supply, such as dizziness, brain fog, and weakness.
3. The chief expert in proctology at Zhengzhou explains that due to pain during defecation, people may endure discomfort, creating a vicious cycle that could eventually lead to liver and kidney diseases, anal fissures, and colorectal tumors.
4. The external hemorrhoid mass located outside the anus increases secretions, which may induce anal itching or anal eczema. Female patients may also develop gynecological diseases as a result.
5. Believing that rectal bleeding or any discomfort around the anus is due to hemorrhoids, people may overlook more serious conditions like intestinal tumors, thus losing the best treatment opportunity.
In summary, the harms of external hemorrhoids should not be underestimated. Timely medical treatment is necessary to avoid complications. The chief expert in surgery in Beijing states that paying attention in daily life can effectively prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids. Patients with hemorrhoids who have clinical symptoms should seek timely diagnosis and treatment.