Hemorrhoids - Masses of Tissues

Not necessarily"A Pain in the Butt" 
Hemorrhoids (often known as Piles) are masses of tissues present in the anal canal. Surrounded by muscle and elastic fibres, these clumps contain blood vessels. Most people think that Hemorrhoids are abnormalities in the anus. The reality is that Hemorrhoids are present in all human beings irrespective of age, sex and race. They are a part of the normal anatomy and physiology within the anal canal. 

But sometimes the hemeroidal cushions enlarge and cause symptoms of pain, itching or bleeding. This is the abnormal or diseased hemeroidal activity. The extent of hemeroidal abnormalities may vary from individual to individual.

Editors Note: In this report when the word Hemorrhoids is used it refers to Hemorrhoids in its diseased or abnormal state. Normal hemeroidal tissues are present in all healthy individuals. 

Hemorrhoids (pronounced as hem-uh-roid) find a mention in ancient medical writings of every culture, including Babylonian, Hindu, Greek, Egyptian, and Hebrew. The word "hemeroid" is derived from the Greek "haema" = blood, and "rhoos" = flowing, and was originally used by Hippocrates to describe the flow of blood from the veins of the anus. 

In its normal state, hemeroidal tissues act as a sort of gatekeeper (or valve) of the anus and prevent unwanted leakages. They help in keeping the "gate" closed when you do not want it opened. Remember the times when you felt the urge to relieve (with no toilet in sight!) and clenched your butt muscles to stop the excreta from spilling over! The hemeroidal tissues did all the work and helped in keeping the anal gate clenched. These tissues also help prevent unwanted leakages during instances of coughs, sneezing etc. In the abnormal state hemeroidal tissues become enlarged and normal functioning is hampered causing discomfort to the affected individual. 

Hemorrhoids have been in existence for eons, in fact it is as old as mankind. However the incidence of Hemorrhoids is growing due to rapid changes in lifestyle and dietary habits.. Studies show that about half the population suffers from abnormal Hemorrhoids by the time they reach the age of 50. In US alone an estimated 10-mn people suffer from this condition. 

The incidence of abnormal Hemorrhoids is the maximum in men and women of the age group of 45 – 65 years. Many factors can lead to affected hemeroidal tissues. These include pregnancy, diarrhea, constipation, hereditary causes, diet etc. This is explained in more detail in our section on causes.

The embarrassment associated with Hemorrhoids has ensured that the problem is kept under wraps. After all discussing your hemeroidal problems with another person is not a very appealing thought. 

If you suspect that you have Hemorrhoids it is important that you gather as much information as possible and be well informed about this condition. (Reading these pages is a good beginning!) The best thing to do is to visit a doctor for a correct diagnosis of the problem and to rule out other causes for the bleeding. In many cases lifestyle changes have helped redress the condition. In some cases, off-the-shelf medicines and herbal remedies have also proved to be extremely helpful. 

 
Editor’s note: In British English Hemorrhoids is spelt as Haemorrhoids. However they are many ways in which people misspell Hemorrhoids. The most common mistake is hemorhoids.

How do you recognize if you have hemorrhoids? 
The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are : 

• Pain around the anus and lower bowel when you are relieving yourself (opening bowels)

• Itching around the anus area

• Discharge of mucus (a slimy liquid)

• Bleeding around the anal area. Blood is generally not mixed with excreta but is present around the anus. The blood discharged is usually bright red in color. You may observe it while using toilet paper.

• A feeling of something hanging or a bulge/lump at the anus.

• A feeling of a full rectum. Feels as though your bowels are not completely emptied.