Hemorrhoids
البواسير
Swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum and anus, similar to varicose veins, causing itching, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding, especially during bowel movements. They're extremely common — most adults experience them at some point — and often linked to straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, or pregnancy. Most cases improve with simple measures like increased fiber and fluid intake, without needing a procedure.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Haemorrhoids (piles) are swollen veins in or around the anus and lower rectum. They are common and often settle with simple measures.
Symptoms include bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet after passing stool, itching, discomfort, and a lump around the anus. They are usually not serious.
Fibre, fluids, avoiding straining and simple creams help most people; persistent cases can be treated with minor procedures or surgery. Any rectal bleeding should be checked by a doctor at least once, because other conditions can cause it.
Symptoms
Bright red blood after passing stool
On toilet paper or in the bowl, usually painless.
Itching or irritation around the anus
A lump hanging outside the anus
May go back in on its own or need to be pushed back.
Discomfort or a feeling of fullness
Mucus discharge
Pain
Usually mild, but severe if a clot forms in an external pile (thrombosed).
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Increased pressure in the veins of the lower rectum — Straining and long periods on the toilet are common contributors.
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
- Pregnancy and childbirth — Pressure from the growing uterus and pushing in labour.
- Weakening of the supportive tissue with age
Risk factors
- Chronic constipation and straining
- Low-fibre diet
- Pregnancy
- Sitting for long periods, including on the toilet
- Heavy lifting
- Overweight and older age
- Family history
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors can usually diagnose haemorrhoids from symptoms and a simple examination, but bleeding should not be assumed to be haemorrhoids without assessment.
History and external examination
Bleeding pattern, bowel habit and a look around the anus.
Digital rectal examination and anoscopy
Checks the lower rectum and anal canal for internal piles and other causes.
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
Considered if there is bleeding with a change in bowel habit, anaemia, weight loss, older age or a family history of bowel cancer.
Treatment
Most haemorrhoids improve with self-care. Persistent or bothersome ones can be treated in clinic or by surgery, chosen according to the type and severity.
Softer stools
More fibre and fluids; avoid straining and prolonged sitting on the toilet.
Simple measures for symptoms
Warm baths and over-the-counter creams or suppositories for short periods, as advised.
Clinic procedures
Rubber-band ligation, sclerotherapy or similar treatments for internal haemorrhoids.
Surgery
Haemorrhoidectomy or related operations for large or persistent haemorrhoids.
Don't use steroid creams for more than a week unless a doctor advises it.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Any rectal bleeding that is new, persistent or recurring
- Symptoms not improving after about a week of self-care
- Bleeding with a change in bowel habit
- Painful lump around the anus
- You are over 40, or have a family history of bowel cancer
Seek urgent care if
- Heavy or persistent rectal bleeding, or dizziness or faintness with bleeding
- Severe anal pain with swelling and fever
- Black or tarry stools, or unintentional weight loss
Prevention
Eat enough fibre and drink fluids
Avoid straining
And don't sit on the toilet for long periods, such as with a phone.
Go when you feel the urge
Stay active
Maintain a healthy weight
Frequently asked questions
What are haemorrhoids?
Swollen veins in or around the anus and lower rectum, also called piles.
Are haemorrhoids dangerous?
They are usually not serious, but rectal bleeding must still be assessed to exclude other causes.
What causes haemorrhoids?
Increased pressure in the veins of the lower rectum, often from straining, constipation, pregnancy or prolonged sitting.
Do haemorrhoids go away on their own?
Many settle within days to weeks with self-care, although they can recur.
When is surgery needed?
When haemorrhoids are large, prolapse persistently, keep bleeding, or don't respond to other treatments.
Can haemorrhoids turn into cancer?
No. But bleeding from cancer can be mistaken for haemorrhoids, so bleeding should always be evaluated.
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Medical sources
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