Piles/Haemorrhoids

Piles (hemorrhoids) are enlarged blood vessels that you can get inside or around your anus. Your anal canal is the short, muscular tube with blood vessels that connects your rectum (back passage) with your anus.

Symptoms:

An individual with piles may experience the following symptoms:

  • A hard, possibly painful lump may be felt around the anus. It may contain coagulated blood. Piles that contain blood are called thrombosed external hemorrhoids.
  • After passing a stool, a person with piles may experience the feeling that the bowels are still full.
  • Bright red blood is visible after a bowel movement.
  • The area around the anus is itchy, red, and sore.
  • Pain occurs during the passing of a stool.

Causes:
Piles are caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum.

The blood vessels around the anus and in the rectum will stretch under pressure and may swell or bulge, forming piles. This may be due to:

  • chronic constipation
  • chronic diarrhea
  • lifting heavyweights
  • pregnancy
  • straining when passing a stool

Risk Factors:

  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
  • Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
  • Being obese
  • Being pregnant
  • Having anal intercourse
  • Eating a low-fiber diet
  • Regular heavy lifting

Treatment:
In the majority of cases, piles resolve on their own without the need for any treatment. However, some treatments can help significantly reduce the discomfort and itching that many people experience with piles.