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Hemorrhoids (HEM-roydz)
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 Related Terms
• Anus
• Rectum
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Definition: Swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum. Continual straining to have a bowel movement causes them to stretch and swell. They cause itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding.

Also Known As: Piles

Common Misspellings: Hemerrhoids, hemeroids

Related Resources:

What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen but normally present blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum that stretch under pressure, similar to varicose veins in the legs.

What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.

What Is the Treatment?
Medical treatment of hemorrhoids initially is aimed at relieving symptoms.

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