Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins located around the anus or in the lower part of the rectum. They are similar to varicose veins and occur when these veins become stretched and irritated due to increased pressure
. There are two main types of hemorrhoids:
- Internal hemorrhoids: These develop inside the rectum and usually do not cause pain because there are few pain-sensing nerves there. They can cause painless bleeding during bowel movements and sometimes prolapse (push through the anal opening), which may cause pain and irritation
- External hemorrhoids: These form under the skin around the anus where there are more pain-sensing nerves. Symptoms include pain, swelling, itching, and sometimes bleeding. If a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, it can cause severe pain and a hard lump near the anus (thrombosed hemorrhoid)
Hemorrhoids are very common, affecting about half of adults over age 50. Risk factors include straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, sitting on the toilet for long periods, pregnancy, being overweight, and aging
. Symptoms can include:
- Bright red rectal bleeding
- Anal itching or irritation
- Pain or discomfort around the anus
- Swelling or lumps near the anus
- Prolapse of internal hemorrhoids through the anal opening
Most hemorrhoids improve with home treatments such as increasing fiber intake, drinking fluids, and avoiding straining. In some cases, medical procedures may be necessary
. In summary, hemorrhoids are swollen vascular cushions in the anal canal that become problematic when inflamed or enlarged, causing symptoms like bleeding, pain, and itching
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