Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus and in the rectum (the very lowest portion of the colon) that may protrude from the anus. The word hemorrhoid comes from hemo (Greek for “blood”) and rrhoos (“discharging”). They are also known as piles, from the Latin word pila, meaning “ball”. Hemorrhoids are very much like varicose veins; they enlarge and lose their elasticity, resulting in saclike protrusions into the anal canal. They are not tumors or growths. They can be caused, and aggravated, by sitting or standing for prolonged periods, violent coughing, lifting heavy objects (or lifting even relatively light objects improperly), and straining at bowel movements. Other factors than can cause or contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids include obesity, lack of exercise, liver damage, food allergies, and insufficient consumption of dietary fibre. Hemorrhoids are common during pregnangy and after childbirth. Hormonal changes and pressure exerted by the growing fetus may be the reason. The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, burning, pain, inflammation, swelling, irritation, seepage, and bleeding.