What is the difference between a normal anus and hemorrhoids?
Imagine that on an ordinary weekend, Uncle Zhang is quietly reading the newspaper at home. Suddenly, he felt a slight pain and discomfort in the anal area, but since there were no obvious symptoms, he thought it was just ordinary muscle fatigue or temporary discomfort, so he didn't pay much attention to it. After a few weeks, this discomfort intensified and even minor bleeding began. At this point, Uncle Zhang realized that the problem might be more serious than he thought, but because he didn't understand the difference between hemorrhoids and a normal anus, he delayed the treatment, which worsened the situation. This condition is not uncommon among middle-aged and elderly people, many people ignore the early symptoms due to a lack of basic medical knowledge and do not seek help until the problem becomes serious.
Hemorrhoids are a common health problem in middle-aged and older adults, and although it is not medically difficult to treat, many people confuse it with ordinary anal discomfort in the early stages due to a lack of knowledge about its basics. Understanding the key difference between a normal anus and hemorrhoids not only helps people identify and seek medical help in a timely manner, but also effectively prevents the occurrence of hemorrhoids and avoids unnecessary pain and medical costs. This article will detail the function and structure of a normal anus, define hemorrhoids and their classification, and clarify the clear differences between the two through comparison. Through this knowledge, we hope to help you better understand your health and make more informed health choices.
Discover the secrets of the anus: a glimpse into its structure and function
The anus is not only an important part of the human body, but it is also an organization that is often overlooked in our daily health discussions. Understanding its structure and function is the first step in preventing and identifying associated health problems. The anus is located at the end of the digestive system and is made up of two main parts: the internal sphincter and the external sphincter. The internal sphincter is mainly made up of smooth muscles and is not controlled by the conscious mind, whereas the external sphincter is made up of skeletal muscles and can be controlled by the conscious mind. This structural design allows the anus to not only open during defecation, but also to remain closed when there is no need to defecate, thus controlling the process of defecation. Perianal skin refers to the area of skin around the anus, which is different from normal skin and has a higher sensitivity, which is why any slight irritation can cause discomfort.
Hemorrhoids Interpretation: Classification and Its Impact on Life
Hemorrhoids, medically known as vascular disease, are pathological dilation of blood vessels in the anorectal area, a condition that can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Hemorrhoids can be divided into three types according to their location and cause: internal, external, and mixed. Internal hemorrhoids: occur inside the anal canal and may be subtle at first because internal hemorrhoids do not protrude outside the anus in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, it may come out due to the pressure of the stool, causing pain or bleeding. External hemorrhoids: located outside the anus, usually confirmed by palpation of a lump around the anus. The main symptoms of external hemorrhoids include pain and swelling, especially when sitting upright. Mixed hemorrhoids: internal and external hemorrhoids coexist, with a high complexity of symptoms and treatment, which may require more comprehensive medical intervention. Understanding these classifications of hemorrhoids can help you make the right diagnosis and choose the right treatment to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. Each type of hemorrhoids has its specific manifestations and treatments, and timely identification and seeking professional help can effectively avoid its impact on daily life.
Distinct distinction: Identification of normal and abnormal
Symptom comparison: normal versus abnormal dividing the normal anus usually without any discomfort or symptoms. Conversely, hemorrhoids are often accompanied by specific symptoms, including but not limited to pain, tingling, or itching in the anal area. Patients with hemorrhoids may experience bleeding during bowel movements, especially when the stool is indurated. In addition, external hemorrhoids may cause a palpable lump around the anus. Differences in appearance: visible evidence that a normal anus should not have any abnormal protrusions in appearance. Hemorrhoids, especially external hemorrhoids, can see a lump around the anus or a protruding soft tissue, which is usually more noticeable after a bowel movement. Internal hemorrhoids may not be directly visible, but in severe cases they may prolapse and appear as tissue in the anus protruding outside the anus. Diagnostic Approach: Professional and Accurate Basic Examination: The first step in the differential diagnosis of hemorrhoids begins with a detailed history and direct anal examination. The doctor will ask the person about symptoms, such as bleeding, pain, or difficulty having a bowel movement, and do a direct examination of the anal area. This step can help the doctor observe any abnormal appearance, such as lumps or inflammation.
Advanced diagnostic tools: Precise diagnosis
For less obvious cases, your doctor may recommend an anoscopy. This method uses a small tube-like instrument (anoscope) that allows the doctor to view the detailed internal structure of the inside of the anal canal and the lower rectum. In addition, for difficult cases, ultrasonography can be used to assess the deep structures of the perianal region and the presence of internal hemorrhoids or other complications. With these methods, doctors are able to not only diagnose the presence of hemorrhoids, but also determine their type and severity, allowing for a more effective treatment plan.