How to Confirm Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be diagnosed early with proper tests because the painful nature of hemorrhoids makes most people seek remedy for it fast. However, because of the embarrassing nature of the disease, there is a tendency among some people suffering from this dreadful condition to postpone going to the doctor and getting the tests done to confirm hemorrhoids. It is strongly recommended that those having the basic hemorrhoids symptoms such as itching, burning, or bleeding around the anal area get tests for hemorrhoids done by their doctor.

Anoscopy is the most common test done to diagnose hemorrhoids. An anoscope is a short instrument that is used to hold open the anal canal and the lower area of the rectum and examine it. It has got a light at one end, which can enable the doctor to clearly see the blood vessels in the area and how much they are swollen. About two inches of the instrument is inserted into the anal area to diagnose hemorrhoids. The procedure is relatively uncomplicated and it is not painful.

Another medical procedure used to diagnose hemorrhoids is proctoscopy, where the instrument proctoscope is used to examine the anal cavity. This diagnostic procedure is basically similar to that done with an anoscope. The main difference is that a proctoscope is able to probe further up into the rectal area. This is used when the surgeon suspects internal hemorrhoids. Since anal bleeding could be due to reasons other than hemorrhoids, proctoscopy becomes necessary to eliminate other possible diseases.

Another test for hemorrhoids diagnosis is sigmoidoscopy. This too involves inserting a tube into the rectal area and in this case it goes up to the sigmoid area of the colon. The instrument used for this, the sigmoidoscope, is more flexible than an anoscope or protoscope, and the doctor can easily manipulate it through the slight curve of the colon. This too has a light at one end that helps the doctor to see the hemorrhoids and any other conditions around the anal area that could be aiding the development of hemorrhoids.

Sigmoidoscopy is a slightly more elaborate procedure than an anoscopy or a protoscopy to diagnose hemorrhoids. For this diagnosis to work, the patient’s colon and rectum should be clean and empty. So sigmoidoscopy requires that the anal canal is emptied out with a laxative. If complete emptying has not been managed by laxatives, a patient may sometimes have to be given an enema for the test to work properly.

There are plenty of tests today that can be done to diagnose hemorrhoids. Those who have even minimal symptoms should not postpone consulting a doctor and getting the diagnostic tests done. Proper hemorrhoids treatment can be provided only after proper diagnosis. Some of the tests may be slightly uncomfortable, but the comfort you will receive as a result of correct diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids would easily offset the inconveniences which can be caused by this dreadful condition.

In addition to medicines which can be prescribed by your doctor, there are some effective hemorrhoids home treatments that you can also use.