Hemorrhoids are vascular structures in rectal area which aid in passing stool. When these veins get swollen then this condition is pathologic or piles. There are two types of hemorrhoids i.e. internal hemorrhoids (inside rectum), which are mostly painless because this area lack pain receptors and external hemorrhoids (at area of anus) which are painful.
Causes:
There are many causes of hemorrhoids to occur, as the most common are, straining during bowel movements, constipation, sitting for long period of time, nutrition. Other is obesity, during pregnancy and after child birth.
Symptoms:
Major symptoms of hemorrhoids are, itching and pain in the area of anus, especially while sitting. Most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding, blood covering the stool or bright red blood on toilet tissue. Painful swelling or lumps around anus is a symptom of external hemorrhoids.
Diagnosis and tests:
External hemorrhoids can simply diagnose by examining anal area however internal hemorrhoids will be confirmed by sigmoidoscopy. Hemorrhoids can also be tests by stool checking, if blood is present in stool then hemorrhoids confirmed.
