Haemorrhoids are a common problem and affect up to 50% of people at some time in their life.

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles are rather like varicose veins in the canal of the anus.

Piles develop from three pads or cushions of tissue that line the anal canal or back passage. Here, just under the mucous membrane inner lining, is a considerable network of blood vessels extending upwards for an inch or so from the level of the skin to just above the anal canal, where it joins the rectum.

This tissue is normal – it acts as a compressible lining that allows the anus to close completely, so avoiding leakage. If the vascular cushions become dilated and swollen, they may then project into the anal canal and even out of the back passage (this is called prolapse) to form visible swellings. These swellings are the haemorrhoids ‘piles’.

A swelling protruding from the anus. Piles may be felt as small soft lumps at the opening of the back passage, sometimes compared to a ‘bunch of grapes’. They are usually soft and fleshy but may become hard if thrombosis occurs. The piles may only appear after straining at the toilet. Protruding haemorrhoids can lead to skin irritation and discomfort and there is usually mucus discharge from the irritated mucous membrane.