Hemorrhoids Flashcards
Differentiate between internal and external hemorrhoids.
internal:
-inside the anal tract
-can be asymptomatic
-when it falls, people feel a bulge (can be pushed up)
external:
-on anal rim
-more painful
-vessels have lost structure + value and are pushing into
undesired areas
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
bleeding
itching
swelling
feeling of fullness in colon
seepage
pain
Which type of hemorrhoids can thrombose?
both external and internal
very painful as blood clots are there
can burst and pain will be gone
Which type of hemorrhoids can prolapse?
internal hemorrhoids
hemorroid prolapses off internal walls into anal sphincter and stays there
True or false: of all hemorrhoid complaints seen at MD office, 95% were actually hemorrhoids
false
50% were something else
What are the main characteristics of colorectal cancer?
BLEEDING
PAIN
more common with age
change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
stools narrower than usual
GI discomfort (bloating, cramps)
unexplained weight loss
very tired
more likely as you age
Which colour of blood in stool is more indicative of colorectal cancer?
bright red (acute)
very dark stool means there is likely a bleed further up the GI tract
Can we figure out if someone has an anal polyp? What is usually done when one is discovered?
we will not be able to figure out (found only via scope)
removed
What are anal fissures?
small tears on the anal canal
common (even in kids)
seen in ~20% of hemorrhoid sufferers
What is anal itch caused by?
commonly via hemorrhoids
seepage
poor hygiene
some skin conditions
irritation via diarrhea (often seen with IBS)
What is the second most common anal symptom?
anal itch
True or false: anal fissure concurrently seen with hemorrhoids are indistinguishable from eachother
false
100% distinct
What is proctitis?
inflammation of the rectal region
What are the symptoms of proctitis?
severe pain and cramps
severe bleeding
mucous/discharge
What are the causes of proctitis?
infections
trauma
What are the risk factors for hemorrhoids?
low fiber/straining
pregnancy
prolonged standing
chronic diarrhea or constipation
heredity
What happened to a patient who was experiencing severe pain from hemorrhoids and then suddenly, the pain is gone?
the hemorrhoid burst
How long does it take for hemorrhoids to heal on their own?
~4 days
most hemorrhoids heal on their own