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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids may result from straining during a bowel movement or from the increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy, among other causes.

A sometimes embarrassing topic of discussion, hemorrhoids are one of the most common ailments. By age 50, about half of adults have had to deal with the itching, discomfort and bleeding that can signal the presence of hemorrhoids.

Fortunately, many effective options are available to treat hemorrhoids. Most people can get relief from symptoms using home treatments and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms
References
  1. Hemorrhoids. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/hemorrhoids. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
  2. Hemorrhoids. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/frame-templates/print_template.cfm. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
  3. Hemorrhoids. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hemorrhoids. Accessed Dec. 1, 2008.
  4. Kaidar-Person O, et al. Hemorrhoidal disease: A comprehensive review. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 2007;204:102.
  5. Bleday R. Patient information: Hemorrhoids. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
  6. Acheson AG, et al. Management of haemorrhoids. British Medical Journal. 2008;336:380.
  7. Bleday R, et al. Clinical features of hemorrhoids. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 17, 2008.
  8. Cataldo P, et al. Practice parameters for the management of hemorrhoids (revised). Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. 2005;48:189.
  9. Bleday R, et al. Treatment of hemorrhoids. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 17, 2008.

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Dec. 24, 2008

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