ON PILES OR HŒMORRHOIDS.
As this disease is generally considered to be of a delicate nature, and one about which the afflicted are unwilling to speak, we shall say a few words on them. Piles constitute a disease that may be very slow or very rapid in its progress. The patient complains of an occasional itching or soreness at the rectum after an evacuation, more particularly if subject to constipation, or if he be an irregular liver: when, after a while, he will be surprised on discovering, subsequent to some straining effort, a knot of elastic but irregularly formed tumors, of a size varying from a hazel-nut to a horse-bean, springing out apparently from the rectum, that in a few days, if they continue, will become sore, and probably be attended with a discharge of blood.
| 1. Rectum. 2. Hœmorrhoids. 3. Perineum. View larger image |
1. Rectum.
2. Hœmorrhoids.
3. Perineum.
Another patient will experience similar symptoms, as regards the pain, swelling, and discharge of blood, except that they will be increased in severity, and be more transitory in their appearance and stay. Upon examination, a perceptible difference will be discovered. In the former instance the tumors will be seen to proceed from the outer edge of the rectum, and will be found to be covered with the common skin. Professional men designate this form of the disease “External Piles.”
| 1. Inner part of Rectum. 2. Orifice of Rectum. 3. External Piles. 4. Internal Piles. View larger image |
