Hemorrhoidal Disease

Enlarged hemorrhoids may eventually develop into hemorrhoidal disease. One in two people suffer from hemorrhoidal disease at some point in their lives.

When people talk about

Hemorrhoids is just another word for piles.

, they usually mean hemorrhoidal disease or piles. Piles occur when the hemorrhoidal cushions, which are part of the normal human anatomy, become enlarged and inflamed, and/or in severe cases protrude through the anus to the outside. These anatomical changes may be associated with bleeding, itching, swelling, pain and may sometimes lead to a severe impairment of quality of life.

Classification by stage of disease

Piles can be graded in four different stages depending on how far they have progressed. First-degree piles do not prolapse, they stay in the lumen of the anal canal but bleeding during defecation can occur. Diganosis may only be performed after anal canal examination (anoscopy). Stage-4-piles, on the other hand, are associated with the more severe anal prolapse, responsible for skin irritation and/or itching.

Not only older people are affected

Experts assume that more than 50 percent of people over the age of 50 have had symptoms related to hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. The disease, however, can occur at any age between 18 and 90 years and affects women and men with equal frequency. Some populations are particularly vulnerable:

people aged between 30 and 60 years with a sedentary way of life
women during or shortly after pregnancy
older people

Good to know

Piles is just another word for hemorrhoidal disease.

Dispelling myths

Piles do not originate from sitting on the sidewalk.
Nor does excessive cycling cause hemorrhoidal disease.
Not only older people are affected.
There is a variety of therapy options available.