What are Haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum and resemble varicose veins. Commonly called piles, haemorrhoids can be internal and develop inside the rectum, or external – under the skin around the anus.
Internal haemorrhoids are made up of small arterial branches and a part of the blood supply to the anus. External haemorrhoids are veins. In their normal state, we are not aware of them at all, but sometimes they develop problems.
Problems with internal haemorrhoids are referred to as “internal haemorrhoidal disease.” The patient may develop symptoms occasionally or the problems could be chronic and long-term.
Problems with external haemorrhoids develop when a blood clot forms in one of the veins at the opening of the anus. This condition is called a thrombosed external haemorrhoid. The patient develops a firm external lump, often accompanied by anal pain and bleeding between bowel movements.
Research shows that nearly three of four adults develop haemorrhoidal problems from time to time.