Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are enlarged blood vessels around the anus and are described as anal cushions. They are present in everyone but considered abnormal when the haemorrhoidal cushions become enlarged.
Haemorrhoids are grouped as follows:
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1st degree piles – internal piles that bleed
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2nd degree piles – lump at the anus that sticks out after bowel movement and then disappears straightaway after
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3rd degree piles – lump at the anus that sticks out after bowel movement but thereafter needs to be pushed back by a finger into the anus
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4th degree piles – lump that cannot be pushed back into the anus