Hemorrhoid vs rectal prolapse are problems of the rectum and colon. Hemorrhoids can be detected if you feel any strain or blood in the stools. For example, you have piles or hemorrhoids if you have blood after a bowel movement. Excessive pain and discomfort in the anus can also be due to hemorrhoids.Rectal prolapse is the loss of the body's standard attachment to the rectum inside the anus. That can hurt the mind of the patients. It will be embarrassing, and the sufferer will have the impact of rectal prolapse on their daily life. Although Both conditions hemorrhoid and rectal prolapse can cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, and discomfort, they are treated differently. So in this blog, we will look at the significant differences between hemorrhoid and rectal prolapse.
What are the differences in the symptoms of hemorrhoid vs rectal prolapse?
Symptoms of hemorrhoids may include:
- Blood in your stool
- Pain and irritation around your anal area
- Swelling or hard lumps around your anal area
- Itchiness around the anus
Symptoms of a rectal prolapse may include:
- Constipation or itching in the anus
- Bulge of your anus after sneezing, coughing, or lifting
- Pain and bleeding in your rectum
- Mucous discharge in your stool
- Pressure in your rectum
What is the difference in the causes of hemorrhoid and rectal prolapse?
Causes of hemorrhoids -
There can be many different causes of hemorrhoids. These can be-- Pregnancy - Hemorrhoids are the most common occurrences during the pregnancy period. Though, many females can keep them away with proper diet and yoga.
- Aging - Hemorrhoids are common in people after the age of 45 years. However, it can also be prevalent in people who have chronic constipation.
- Obesity - Obesity can be a big reason for hemorrhoids. The constriction of the veins and blood vessels in the anus and colon can make blood supply difficult.
- Heavy lifting - straining activities can lead to hemorrhoids.
- It would be best if you did not sit on the toilet seat for too long as it can put pressure on the lower rectum and result in hemorrhoids.
- Chronic constipation is the rough movement of stools throughout the rectum. That is a common cause of constipation.
- Anal intercourse can irritate the blood vessels in the rectum and can account for hemorrhoids.
- Genetic factors also account for hemorrhoids. But they are majorly caused by the straining of the blood vessels in the rectum.
Causes of Rectal Prolapse -
There can be many different causes of rectal prolapse. That may include-- Chronic constipation or chronic diarrhea can naturally weaken the intestines' muscles. The persistence can cause an inability to hold the bowel inside.
- Rectal prolapse can also be linked with giving too many vaginal births. People should get a colonoscopy if they have doubts about having rectal prolapse.
- If the muscles of the rectum are weak or old, they can cause difficulty in passing the stools, and there will be a leakage in the rectum. That is because the attachment of the rectum to the pelvic floor weakens.
What is the difference in the diagnosis of hemorrhoid vs rectal prolapse?
Diagnosis of hemorrhoids:
- Hemorrhoids are diagnosed after an examination by the doctor.
- Hemorrhoids can be checked with a visual or digital monitor.
- The doctor will check the anus by inserting fingers into the anus.
- Some of the tests that can be included in this are colonoscopy to check the insides of the colon.
Diagnosis of rectal prolapse-
- Rectal prolapse if diagnosed after the examination.
- Suppose a person feels that the rectum moves inside after the bowel movements. Then the patient must try and break down in front of the doctor.
- Some tests can be ultrasound, x-ray, and checking the rectal bleeding records.
What is the difference in the treatments of hemorrhoids vs rectal prolapse?
Treatment for rectal prolapse:
- Several surgical procedures can help cut the abdomen and put the rectum in place.
- Though the patients will require medical care at most, they should check their diet and avoid straining the muscles of the abdomens.
- It is important not to lift, pull or attach anything to the anal surface when it protrudes.
- Try to get the surgery quickly and opt for a closed procedure.
- A closed procedure will be less consuming and less invasive.
Treatment for hemorrhoids:
- Hemorrhoids can also be treated with laser surgery.
- That will not involve any cuts or wounds and can shrink the hemorrhoids.
- The laser's energy allows the hemorrhoids to shrink from the inside.
- That helps in reducing the pain and bleeding in the anus.
- The patients need to get a diet rich in high fiber and regular pelvic massages or baths to relieve the muscles of the anus.
How will a patient differentiate between hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse?
In many cases, the symptoms of hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse are common. But the patients can keep these points in mind while finding out about their condition. Some of these points are-Hemorrhoids-
- Hemorrhoids can be in the inner layer of the bowel near the anal opening.
- They do not have any symptoms before occurring.
- They are swollen and painful lumps.
- In the advanced stages, hemorrhoids can become more painful and complicated.
Rectal prolapse-
- Rectal prolapse is when the entire bowel segment is higher outside the body.
- They can have severe problems and sign like leaking stools.
- Rectal prolapse can be associated with the fullness of the bowels.
- It involves the formation of concentric circles.
- Rectal prolapse is a complete prolapse wherein the colon is seen outside the anus.
What is the difference in the cost of treatment of hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse?
The cost of treatment for either of the conditions will depend on the severity of the disease. Usually, the cost of treatment of hemorrhoids is less than rectal prolapse, as hemorrhoids can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. Hemorrhoids are not severe and can require laser treatment, which will not cost much for the patient.However, a rectal prolapse may require surgery to lift the rectal and put it back in the gut. This can cause somewhere around forty thousand to about a lakh in surgery and operation.So, hemorrhoid vs rectal prolapse may vary depending on the patient's condition and the severity of the issue. Also, Read Why Do Hemorrhoids Itch and How Can You Get Rid of Them?Conclusion-
The condition of hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse have a lot of differences. Though these are both in the same part of the body, there are differences in diagnosis, symptoms, causes, and treatments. Though rectal prolapse will require surgery, hemorrhoids can be treated with lifestyle changes.To eliminate the conditions, patients must adopt a healthier lifestyle and a high-fiber diet. Though some severe conditions might require surgery, it will be best to get in touch with your doctor if there are any inconveniences.Frequently Asked Questions
Does rectal prolapse look like hemorrhoids?
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum or part of the intestine slips down the anus. It is caused by weakening the muscles that hold it in place. Rectal prolapse may feel like hemorrhoids.
Is hemorrhoid considered a prolapse?
When the veins in the anus or the rectum swell up, then hemorrhoids are developed. Hemorrhoids are bulges outside the anus and can result in pain in the anus
Is rectal prolapse hard or soft?
Rectal prolapse happens when the last portion of the colon, i.e., the anus, protrudes outside the body. One can feel the smaller lumps of soft tissues extending outside the body.
How to know if you have rectal prolapse?
They help diagnose rectal prolapse and rule out conditions like hemorrhoids or fissures. The doctor will usually check by inserting their figures into the rectum and checking the strength of the sphincter muscles.
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