What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are inflamed veins that can appear around the anus and can be seen with the naked eye (external hemorrhoids) or, these can appear inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids). Although they are more common after the age of 40, there are isolated cases in younger people.

Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the person and the severity of their situation. It is very important that at the first symptoms, you consult your doctor. However, the general symptoms are:
-Itch
-Pain or discomfort
-Swelling around the anus
-Painless bleeding during bowel movements

How to avoid hemorrhoids?
Some of the measures you can take to prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids are the following:
-Diet rich in fiber and drink plenty of water. This will help prevent constipation, which is highly related to the development of hemorrhoids.
-Avoid delaying going to the bathroom if you feel the need to defecate.
-Exercise.
-Avoid sitting for a long time. A sedentary lifestyle is a factor that benefits the development of constipation.

Remember that this is a disease that must be diagnosed and treated by health professionals. If you have questions about whether you have hemorrhoids, ask your doctor.

Author: Nerissa Álvarez
Review: Betzabe Guido

References
Bueno Vidal, G. K., & Castro Vera, A. N. (2019). EFFECTIVENESS OF CONVENTIONAL HEMORROIDECTOMY VERSUS HEMORROIDOPEXIA IN IMPROVING RECOVERY IN PATIENTS WITH HEMORROIDS.
Mayo clinic. (2019). Hemorrhoids. mayoclinig.org
Murúa, A. (2018). Hemorrhoids. Current concepts. Notebooks of Surgery, 14 (1), 55-58.