What is Piles (Hemorrhoids)

Piles also known as Hemorrhoids (also spelled as haemorrhoids), are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels that occur inside and around the back passage (anus) and the anal canal.

Hemorrhoids are masses, clumps, cushions of tissue full of blood vessels, support tissue, muscle and elastic fibers in the anal canal. Everyone has hemorrhoids. But when they become too big due to inflammation, piles develops.

Anyone at any age can be affected by piles, though it is more common in people over 45 years of age.

Types or classification of piles

− Internal Piles (Hemorrhoids)

Internal piles form above a point 2-3 cm inside the back passage. They are usually painless and bleeding is the primary symptom.

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

These are small inflammations, usually inside the lining of the anus. They may bleed but don’t come out of anus and hence they are not visible.

These are larger than grade 1 hemorrhoids, but also inside the anus. When passing a stool, they may get pushed out, but go back inside on their own afterwards.

These are often called ‘prolapsed hemorrhoids’; these appear outside the anus. The patient may feel them hanging out. They can be pushed back in if the patient presses with their finger.

These are large and stay outside the anus all the time. You can’t push them back in. They may become very swollen and painful if the blood inside them clots.

− External Piles (Hemorrhoids)

External Piles are small lumps located on the outside edge of the anus. They are very itchy, uncomfortable, and can be painful if a blood clot forms inside (thrombosis).

Causes Of Piles

Constipation

Long-term constipation is a primary cause leading to piles.

Pregnancy

Fetus pressure on vascular structures often causes piles.

Obesity

Being overweight increases the risk of developing piles.

Lifestyle

Junk food, low fiber, and low water consumption are major factors.

Symptoms of piles

Passage of blood along with stool (not mixed).
Feeling of fullness even after emptying bowels.
Lumps hanging outside the anus after passing stool.
Severe pain during standing or walking.
Itchiness, redness, and discomfort around the anus.