Varicosity in the lower rectum or anus due to congestion of the veins; caused or exacerbated by a low-fibre diet and consequent straining to defecate.
Painful and swollen anal veins.
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the lining of the anus. They can occur near the anal opening, known as external haemorrhoids, or further up the anal canal, referred to as internal haemorrhoids. In some cases, these veins may protrude outside the anal canal, and they are then termed prolapsing haemorrhoids.
Haemorrhoids occur due to elevated pressure in the veins of the anus, often caused by repeated straining to pass hard stool. This condition may result from a diet lacking in fiber and high in refined foods. Haemorrhoids are also common during pregnancy, as the weight of the fetus exerts pressure on the blood vessels.
The most common symptoms of haemorrhoids are rectal bleeding and discomfort during defaecation. Prolapsing haemorrhoids may lead to a mucous discharge and itching around the anus. A complication of prolapse is thrombosis and strangulation, which occurs when a blood clot forms in the vein, obstructing its return to its normal position in the anus and restricting blood supply. This condition can cause severe pain.
Diagnosis is typically made through proctoscopy, a procedure involving the inspection of the rectum using a viewing instrument. Mild cases of haemorrhoids can often be managed by increasing fluid intake, consuming a high-fibre diet, and establishing regular bowel movements. To reduce pain and swelling, rectal suppositories and creams containing corticosteroid drugs and local anaesthetics can be used. More troublesome haemorrhoids may be treated with sclerotherapy (injection of an irritant liquid), cryosurgery (application of extreme cold), or banding, where a band is tied around the haemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off. For prolapsing haemorrhoids, a haemorrhoidectomy (the surgical removal of haemorrhoids) is often necessary.