How to Tell If You Have a Hemorrhoid or Hernia?

Do you want to know if you have a hemorrhoid or a hernia? Hemorrhoids and hernias probably ignite the same sense of anxiety in most patients.

Your body is suddenly experiencing bulging lumps.

Both conditions are common in patients as people age or as women undergo changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

If you’ve experienced either of these conditions, you know that they can be irritating, painful, and scary.

But, they are common and can be treated effectively.

Before you try to treat these conditions, it’s important to know the difference. After all, you can’t treat either condition effectively if you don’t truly know what condition you are faced with.

Here’s all you need to know about hemorrhoids and hernias and how to tell the difference between the two.

Hemorrhoid or Hernia Difference

Hernias occur when an organ pushes through the muscle tissue of the abdominal wall. Hemorrhoids occur when the veins in the lower part of the anus or rectum become swollen.

While there are only two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external, there are several types of hernias.

The most common types of hernias are:

Inguinal hernias- These occur when the intestines or bladder push through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin.

Incisional hernias- These occur after you had surgery in the abdomen. They are caused by a weakening of the muscle wall due to an incision. The weakening allows the organs to protrude through.

Umbilical hernias- These are most commonly found in babies. They occur when the small intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button.

Hiatal hernias- These occur when the upper stomach squeezes through the opening of the diaphragm where the esophagus is located in the higher part of the abdomen.

The most common symptoms of hernias include:

• Acute pain in the abdomen
• Bulges under the skin, either in the abdominal area or above the pelvic area
• Nausea and vomiting due to intestinal blockage
• Constipation due to intestinal blockage
• Chronic pressure, aching, burning, or pain due to compressed nerves

Hemorrhoids are caused by pregnancy, aging, chronic diarrhea or constipation, heavy lifting, and genetics.

Internal hemorrhoids occur deep inside the rectum and external hemorrhoids are found under the skin around the anus.

The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Itching around the anus
• Bleeding from the anus
• Pain or soreness in or around the anus
• Fecal leakage

Hemorrhoid or Hernia Surgery

The most common surgical procedures for hemorrhoids are:

Rubber Band Ligation- This is also called banding. It is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office. Banding is performed by placing a small, tight band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. In some cases, this procedure may need to be repeated multiple times to be effective.

Sclerotherapy- This procedure is also non-invasive and can be performed in a doctor’s office. The procedure is performed by injecting a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid that causes it to shrink and die off.

Hemorrhoidectomy- This is an invasive surgery that is performed at a hospital or surgical center under anesthesia. During the procedure, a doctor will place a small incision in the hemorrhoid to remove it completely. The incision is then closed with stitches and patients usually go home the same day.

Hemorrhoidopexy- This is also an invasive surgery that is performed at a hospital or surgical center under anesthesia. This is also called stapling. This surgery is most effective for internal hemorrhoids. During the procedure, a doctor will use a surgical staple to fix the hemorrhoid to the rectal wall. The stapling causes the hemorrhoid to die off.

Hemorrhoid vs Rectal Hernia

Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids and rectal hernia have very similar symptoms.

The most common symptoms of a rectal hernia are:

• Feeling a bulge outside your anus
• Seeing a red mass outside the anal opening
• Pain in the anus
• Bleeding from the rectum

The most common causes include:

• Long-term history of chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Long-term history of straining while you use the bathroom
• Aging, which weakens the muscles and ligaments in the rectal area
• Previous injury to the anus or hip area
• Nerve damage that affects the body’s ability to tighten and loosen

External Hemorrhoids vs. Hernia

Besides surgery, both external hemorrhoids and hernias can be treated with lifestyle changes and regular observation.

The two conditions can be kept at bay by watching what you eat and maintaining a healthy weight.

Patients with either of these conditions should avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. While hemorrhoids can be relieved through over-the-counter medications, ice packs, sitz baths, and medicated wipes, hernias are only resolved with surgery.