Hemorrhoids Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ of Piles

In a technical sense, we all have hemorrhoids, which simply refers to pillow-like clusters of veins located just below the surface of the mucous membranes of the anus and rectum. What we commonly call hemorrhoids (also called piles) is what occurs when these veins become swollen, like varicose veins.

Hemorrhoids occur in both men at women at the same rate, and they occur most often in adults between 45 and 65 years of age. Though many people have hemorrhoids, only about 4% of the population has problems due to enlarged hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids can include:
- Rectal bleeding (bright red blood on toilet tissue, stool, or in the toilet bowl)
- Anal itching
- Anal ache, pain, or discomfort, particularly while seated
- Painful bowel movements
- Hard, paiful lumps near the anus

Thrombosis is the medical term for blood clot. When a blood clot forms in a hemorrhoid, this can cause a purple or blue lump that may bleed, and cause pain and itching. Once the clot dissolves and heals, there may be some tissue that remains (skin tag) that can become irritated.

Pregnancy, being overweight, and diarrhea can all contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids. Other causes of hemorrhoids include inadequate fiber intake, constipation, chronic straining when having bowel movements, prolonged sitting (especially on the toilet), tumors, age, and certain medical conditions.

The definition of hemorrhoids is swollen veins in the anal region. External hemorrhoids look like lumps near the anus. If the hemorrhoid is thrombosed (there is a blood clot), it may appear dark blue to purple in color.

Aside from general remedies such as over-the-counter treatments, some people may find nonoperative procedures to be the best treatment for hemorrhoids. Nonoperative procedures and treatments include:

Sclerotherapy: promotes inflammation and subsequent scarring of the hemorrhoid
Rubber band ligation: causes the hemorrhoid to die by banding it tightly with medical rubber
Heat coagulation: kills hemorrhoidal tissue with heat, which then promotes inflammation and scarring
Cryotherapy: obliterates the veins with cold temperatures, and then causes inflammation and scarring

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is the newest surgical technique to treat hemorrhoids. It does not remove the hemorrhoids themselves; rather, it removes the lax tissue surrounding the hemorrhoid that has allowed it to protrude.