What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids are often described as “varicose veins” of the anal canal. In fact they consist of various engorged blood vessels covered by lining of the anal canal. As the haemorrhoid enlarges it bulges into the anal canal and eventually may protrude at the edge of the anus (prolapse). This may be associated with an anal tag. External anal skin tags usually represent the remnant of stretched skin arising from prolapsed internal haemorrhoids at the anal verge or a previous peri-anal thrombosis. A perianal thrombosis (clot) is a painful exquisitely sensitive lump on the edge of the anus, often mistaken for a prolapsed internal haemorrhoid.

What causes haemorrhoids?

Internal haemorrhoids are due to a weakening of the supportive connective tissues within the anal canal allowing the lower rectal lining to bulge. Contributing factors cause veins within the haemorrhoids to enlarge. Contributing factors might include:

What are the symptoms?

ageing
chronic constipation or diarrhoea
pregnancy
faulty bowel habit
straining at bowel action
long periods on the toilet

 

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