What is an piles ?
Piles are the result of swollen veins in the lower anus and rectum. They can cause tissue growths in and around the anus and can lead to significant discomfort. These growths can vary in size and location.
Internal vs. external
Internal piles occur within the rectum and are usually not visible during an external examination. However, in some cases, an external pile may grow to protrude outside of the anus. The medical term for this is prolapsed hemorrhoid.
Symptoms
In most cases, the symptoms of piles are not serious and resolve on their own.
An individual with piles may experience the following symptoms:
- painful lumps in and around the anus
- itching and discomfort around the anus
- discomfort during and after passing stools
- bloody stools
Piles can escalate into a more severe condition. These include:
- excessive anal bleeding, possibly leading to anemia
- infection
- fecal incontinence
- anal fistula
- strangulated hemorrhoid, in which anal muscles cut off blood supply to the hemorrhoid
However, many people with piles may not experience any symptoms.
Causes
Piles result from increased pressure in the lower rectum.
- chronic constipation
- chronic diarrhea
- lifting heavy weights
- straining when passing a stool