Which gastrointestinal disorder involves the painful swelling of veins in the rectal area?

The gastrointestinal disorder that involves the painful swelling of veins in the rectal area is hemorrhoids. This condition occurs when the veins in the rectal region become swollen and inflamed, often leading to discomfort, pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can result from a variety of factors, including straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged sitting, which increase pressure on these veins.

In contrast, colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, which can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea but does not specifically involve the swelling of veins. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, involves acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn but does not pertain to rectal vein swelling. Fecal impaction represents a blockage in the intestines due to hardened stool, causing severe constipation and abdominal pain, but again, this is not related to swollen veins. Each of these other conditions has its own specific set of symptoms and characteristics separate from those of hemorrhoids.