Hemorrhoids vs Hernia: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Ever encountered suspicious growths on your body? If you're wondering what growths you have, then you're in luck. This article will be all about hemorrhoids vs hernia, their differences and similarities, and it'll educate you on how you can treat and prevent both conditions.

Hemorrhoids vs Hernia Symptoms

Comparing the symptoms of hemorrhoids is one good way of differentiating them. The very first difference between them is their location- while hemorrhoids are swellings in the rectum and anus; a person with hernia has a bulge in the groin, upper thigh, chest, hip, or abdominal areas. 

Hemorrhoids are mostly felt as discomfort or pain while passing stool or sitting down but hernia bulges are felt while standing up, coughing, or bending down. When you lie down, the hernia may temporarily disappear until you rise up again.

Here’s a closer look:

• Hemorrhoid Symptoms:
  • Pain or discomfort during bowel movements or while sitting.
  • Itching or irritation around the anus.
  • Swelling or lumps near the anus (external hemorrhoids) or inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids).
  • Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the stool.
• Hernia Symptoms:
  • A visible or palpable bulge in the affected area.
  • Pain or discomfort during physical activity, coughing, or lifting.
  • A feeling of heaviness or pressure.
  • In severe cases, nausea or vomiting if complications like bowel obstruction occur.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia is a bulge of an organ through a weakened point in the muscle or tissue that’s holding it in place. There are different types of hernias depending on where they are found in the body. They include:

• Hiatal Hernia: This is the hernia in which a portion of the stomach pokes past the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. It mostly occurs in older people and it can result in gastroesophageal reflux, where the contents of the stomach leak into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation in the chest.
• Inguinal Hernia: This is the commonest type of hernia. It occurs when intestines push through a weakened point or tear in the inguinal canal, which is found in the lower abdominal wall. It’s mostly found in men’s groins in the region where the spermatic cord passes to the scrotum from the abdomen.
• Femoral Hernia: This hernia occurs when a part of the bowel or fatty tissue protrudes out of the groin or upper thigh. Femoral hernia is often associated with aging since the abdomen is subjected to repeated pressure over time.
• Incisional Hernia: As the name suggests, this hernia results from an incision made during abdominal surgery. Intestines poke out of the incision scar or the weakened tissue around it. It occurs when a surgical wound doesn’t heal completely.
• Umbilical Hernia: This kind of hernia occurs when part of the bowel or fatty tissue pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button. Umbilical hernia occurs in babies and children and it typically goes away at around 1-2 years when the abdominal walls get stronger.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are distended blood vessels in and around the rectal and anal canal and they affect about 20% of the general population. The hemorrhoids found in the rectum are internal hemorrhoids while those in and around the anus are external hemorrhoids. Sometimes, the internal hemorrhoids protrude out of the anus and these are known as prolapsed hemorrhoids. They can retract on their own or require that you push it back using your finger. If that doesn’t work, a surgical procedure should be your last resort.

What Causes Hernia and What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Causes of Hernia

Hernias occur because of muscle weakness and strain, and it may take a short or long time to develop. Muscle weakness and strain may be caused by:

• Strenuous physical activity, such as lifting heavy objects.
• A congenital condition that develops in the womb.
• Aging that weakens body muscles and tissues.
• Surgery or injury that weakens muscles or tissues.
• Straining during bowel movements.
• Chronic coughing.
• Carrying multiples in pregnancy at once.
• Fluid in the abdomen.
• Being obese or overweight.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are caused by the straining of the blood vessels when too much pressure is applied to them. This pressure could be caused by:

• Aging, which weakens tissues in the rectal area.
• Constipation or straining during bowel movements.
• Pregnancy, which increases pressure on pelvic veins.
• Obesity or being overweight.
• Sitting for too long, especially on the toilet.

How to Prevent and Treat Hernia

Prevention of Hernia

You can prevent the occurrence of hernia in the following ways:

• Avoid lifting objects that are too heavy: Use proper lifting techniques or seek help.
• Seek treatment for a persistent cough: Chronic coughing increases abdominal pressure.
• Eat more fiber and drink more water: This prevents constipation and reduces straining.
• Maintain a healthy weight: A balanced diet and regular exercise help.
• Quit smoking: Smoking strains the abdomen and raises the risk of developing an inguinal hernia.

Treatment of Hernia

In most cases, hernias do not pose a life-threatening risk. However, when your hernia is causing pain, is growing in size, or is an inguinal hernia, which may result in bowel strangulation, you may need to undergo surgery. Two types of surgery can be done to correct a hernia:

• Open Surgery: The hernia is closed using sutures, staples, mesh, or surgical glue.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: Miniature surgical equipment is used to make a few tiny incisions on the hernia to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.

Consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your condition.

How to Prevent and Treat Hemorrhoids

Prevention of Hemorrhoids

You can avoid getting hemorrhoids by taking the following measures:

• Include Fiber and Water in Your Diet: Having plenty of fiber and water in your diet will soften stool and keep it moving out the anus without a struggle. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are excellent choices.
• Exercise: When you are active, food and stool move quickly down your gut, so there’s no time for it to harden and cause constipation. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight, easing pressure on the anus and rectum. Try Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
• Avoid Sitting for Long: If you tend to sit for long periods, make an effort to stand up and walk around every once in a while to take the pressure off the anus and rectum.

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Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be treated using at-home remedies or medical procedures. The at-home remedies aim at relieving pain, inflammation, bleeding, and itching. Some of these remedies include:

• Aloe vera gel: Soothes inflammation and irritation.
• Witch hazel: Reduces itching and swelling.
• Warm baths (sitz baths): Soak the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
• Cold compress: Reduces swelling and pain.
• Over-the-counter creams or ointments: Products like hydrocortisone can help.
• Soothing wipes: Avoid dry toilet paper to prevent irritation.
• Coconut oil or H-Hemorrhoids Formula Oil: Natural remedies to reduce discomfort.
• Essential oils: Diluted tea tree or lavender oil may provide relief.

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For more persistent cases, medical treatments include:

• Office Procedures:
  • Sclerotherapy: A chemical is injected into the hemorrhoid to shrink it.
  • Banding: A rubber band is tied around the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink.
• Surgical Procedures:
  • Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of swollen veins.
  • Stapling: Used to reposition prolapsed hemorrhoids back into the rectum.

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between a hernia and hemorrhoid is crucial because they each require different treatments. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal region, often manageable with lifestyle changes and at-home remedies, while hernias involve organ protrusion through muscle walls, frequently requiring surgical intervention. If in doubt, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies outlined in this guide, you can take proactive steps to manage or prevent these conditions effectively.