Hemorrhoids are also called piles.
They are swollen vein clusters in the anus which can bring discomfort and pain.
Sometimes, some people call them the "varicose veins" of the rectum.
This is because like the common varicose veins you see on the legs, piles are dilated and protruded veins too.
Piles may be classified as internal or external.
Internal ones are those which occur inside the rectal area.
As the inner side of the rectum does not have sensitive nerve endings, internal piles are often not obvious and painful.
Most people who have them are usually not aware of their presence.
Since they are typically painless, it's harder for them to be noticed.
However, when these piles get irritated, they may bleed, and the blood may be the sole symptom which the affected person may notice.
Internal hemorrhoids often become irritated by hard stools rubbing against them when the person is having a bowel movement.
As a result, the person may feel a vague discomfort in the anal area and notice some blood on his or her stool.
These piles may protrude towards the outer area and may appear like tiny grape-like masses.
When they do, they can bring more discomfort to the person.
When internal piles are not treated, they may escalate to two severe forms: prolapsed and strangulated.
The former is when the internal hemorrhoids are pushed out of the anus and the latter is when prolapsed piles get trapped outside the anal opening during a muscle spasm.
The anal sphincter muscle may go into spasm due to prolapsed piles, making things worse because this occurrence cuts the blood supply off.
External piles, on the other hand, are those which appear in the outer area of the anus.
Oftentimes, these piles are painful.
They can also be itchy.
Because of the swelling, they can also develop a kind of burning sensation which can be a great hassle for the person; disabling him or her to go on with chores normally.
There are times when external hemorrhoids rupture and develop blood clots.
These piles are called thrombosed.
Thrombosed piles usually appear like a firm lump around the external rim of the anus, making it impossible for the person not to notice them.
As there are different kinds and severity of piles, their treatments may also vary from one person to another.
For example, if you have external piles that are not too severe yet, they can easily be treated by basic ointment for piles, warm baths, and witch hazel.
Mild internal ones can be treated the same way.
However, if what you have is already clotted, prolapsed, or strangulated, some advanced and invasive procedures may be already required.
For instance, you may have to go through pile surgery or laser coagulation.
Hemorrhoids are treatable so you don't have to panic when you discover you have them.
The wisest thing is to consult a specialist as soon as possible so you can deal with the condition and prevent it from aggravating.