Anorectal conditions

Haemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels around the anus (back passage). They can cause bleeding and itchiness, and sometimes are very painful. The word haemorrhoid comes from the Greek haim for blood and rhoos for stream (hence, bleeding). Haemor-rhoids are also known as piles.
The two types of haemorrhoids are: internal and external.

Internal haemorrhoids are inside the back passage where the rectum joins the anus. They are covered by the mucous lin-ing of the rectum. Internal haemorrhoids are enlargements of the normal cushions of blood vessels. They may be aggravated by constipation and straining.

External haemorrhoids are on the out-side of the back passage and are covered by skin. These are often enlarged due to stretching of the anal skin, as may occur during childbirth or straining.