What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are basically varicose veins of the rectum. Hemorrhoidal veins are located in the anal region. When they swell, the vein walls get stretched thin and irritated and can itch, hurt and bleed. These swollen veins are known as hemorrhoids / piles. Hemorrhoids are categorized into External hemorrhoids
and Internal hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids reside far back into the anus where there are few pain sensing nerves so that they cannot be seen or felt. Their presence may only be known when they bleed. Sometimes internal hemorrhoids can prolapse or extrude out of the anal sphincter. They appear as moist pink pads that recede into the rectum on their own or can be pushed back. when internal hemorrhoids prolapse, they can hurt
External hemorrhoids lie within the anus and generally hurt. If an external hemorrhoid prolapses, it can be seen and felt. Sometimes blood clots can form in an external hemorroid causing a very painful condition called thrombosis.
Who can get affected by hemorrhoids?
About half of the US population will get affected by hemorrhoids at some point or other. They generally occur between ages 20 and 50.