Patient Education

What are Hemorrhoids?

Everyone has veins around the anal opening. When these veins abnormally enlarge or dilate they are called hemorrhoids. They are also known as Piles.

What are the types of hemorrhoids?

These are two types of hemorrhoids

• Internal hemorrhoids
• External hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are painless but can cause more bleeding. Sometimes they may push out of the anal opening when a person pushes too hard to pass a stool or a bowel motion. External hemorrhoids are also painless but look like an extra skin near the anus. It's become very distressing when the blood in the external hemorrhoid clots and inflammation irritates the nearby pain-sensitive skin.

Why do hemorrhoids occur?

The commonest cause of hemorrhoids is chronic constipation. Due to hard stools, excessive pushing (it increases the pressure in the veins) the veins in the anal region enlarge and bleed.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Symptoms of piles are bleeding in the stool. Sometimes pain, itching near the anus may occur. If hemorrhoids are inflamed then pain occurs at the time of passing motion.

How is the diagnosis of hemorrhoids made?

The diagnosis of piles is made by a clinical examination of the anus and rectum. The doctor may insert a scope in the anus to look at the piles.

What is the treatment of hemorrhoids?

The best treatment of hemorrhoids is prevention. A high fiber-rich diet and bulk can prevent constipation. In many cases adding bulk laxatives is very useful. There are several numerous creams and suppositories which can help relieve the irritation and pain symptoms. In the worst cases, surgeries are required. Bleeding internal hemorrhoids are treated by rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, coagulation, or surgery.