Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are enlarged blood vessels around the anus. They are described as anal cushions. Haemorrhoids are present in everyone, but they are only considered abnormal when the haemorrhoidal cushions become enlarged.
Haemorrhoids are classified as follows:
- First degree piles – Internal piles that bleed
- Second degree piles – Lump at the anus that sticks out after a bowel motion and then disappears straight away after
- Third degree piles – Lump at the anus that sticks out after a bowel motion but needs to be pushed back by a finger into the anus after
- Fourth degree piles – Lump that can’t be pushed back into the anus