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Haemorrhoids can be divided into "internal haemorrhoids" and "external haemorrhoids", separated by an irregular jagged line known as the dentate line. Internal haemorrhoids are above the dentate line. They are anal cushions (which help prevent bowel incontinence) which have over-expanded and prolapsed out, causing fresh bleeding during bowel movement. External haemorrhoids are painful lumps in the lower anus from thrombosed (clotted blood) blood vessels which appear after excessive straining, such as from constipation or carrying heavy loads. The terms "haemorrhoids" and "piles" mean the same thing. Haemorrhoids is derived from Greek while piles is derived from Latin. Both terms are used interchangeably. In medical texts, the term haemorrhoid is preferred.
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There are 3 main symptoms of haemorrhoids; bleeding, prolapse and pain (from thrombosis). Sometimes, one may feel a burning discomfort or itch around the anus and this is due the prolapsed haemorrhoid. The bleeding pattern is painless and occurs during bowel movement. The bleeding is usually fresh and may drip after the bowel movement. It is very rare to see blood clots from haemorrhoids because the bleeding stops immediately when the anus closes after bowel movement.
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Treatment of haemorrhoids depends on the symptom presented. The aim of treatment is to restore the anal cushions to their normal anatomy and function. The choices available for treatment are numerous and customized based on the patient’s symptoms and severity of haemorrhoids. The list of options are listed below. For a more complete description, please refer to the full website page about haemorrhoids or speak to your colorectal specialist about it.
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