Hemorrhoids are often referred to as piles, a term that is applied to a number of different conditions of the anal canal. Most commonly, however, it refers to hemorrhoids. It is also used to describe anal fissures or tears, clotted external hemorrhoids, and flaps of extra skin or skin tags on the anus.

Hemorrhoids can be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are in the higher part of the anal canal. The veins swell and continue to increase in size over a period of years. They may be caused by prolonged straining to pass bowel motions and can be exacerbated by pregnancy. They are usually characterized by bright red bleeding that occurs at the end of passing a motion and they are usually relatively painless. If the hemorrhoids become bigger, they may come out of the anal canal and can be quite painful because of being strangulated or squeezed by a tight anal canal.

External piles or hemorrhoids are caused when a blood vessel bursts just under the surface of the skin near the edge of the anal canal causing severe pain during and after the passing of a bowel motion. Sometime later, a painful lump appears that becomes red, sore, and inflamed. These are sometimes referred to as thrombosed piles.

Another condition that is sometimes wrongfully diagnosed as hemorrhoids is a condition known as anal fistula. The main symptom is a discharge of fluid, often like pus, but there is seldom much pain, bleeding or a lump. This condition usually appears as a result of an abscess in the lining of the anal canal, causing an abnormal connection between the outer skin of the anal canal and the inside of the canal. This causes secretions to leak out through the rectum. Treatment of internal hemorrhoids can take several different forms. They can be injected with a substance that makes them shrivel up if they are only small. Another method of treatment is by shrinking the hemorrhoids through a process of freezing, using a cryoprobe. Yet another method is to apply tiny rubber bands to cut off the supply of blood to the hemorrhoids.

A diet high in fibre is very important to keep the gastrointestinal system working well and to avoid the discomfort of hemorrhoids as well as assisting in the general wellbeing of your body.