Haemorrhoids
Introduction Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins develop inside the rectum (internal haemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external haemorrhoids). Haemorrhoids can occur at any age but are rare in children and adults younger than 20 years . There is a high incidence of haemorrhoids in pregnant women. Symptoms Symptoms experienced by the patient are dependent on the severity or type of haemorrhoid. Bright red painless rectal bleeding is the most common symptoms. Blood is usually seen as spotting around the toilet, streaking on toilet tissue or visible on the surface of the stool. Internal haemorrhoids are rarely painful, whereas external haemorrhoids can cause pain due to the cushion becoming thrombosed. Pain is not always present. If it is, the pain is described as a dull ache that increases in severity when the patient defecates, leading to patients ignoring the urge to defecate. This can then lead to constipation , which in turn will lead to more difficul...