Piles (Hemorrhoids): Unveiling Symptoms, Causes, and Types

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels located around the rectum or in the anus. These vascular structures can cause discomfort, bleeding, and other symptoms. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and types of piles is crucial for proper diagnosis and effective management.

Symptoms of Piles:

1. Bleeding:

   – One of the most common symptoms is bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement. This bleeding can occur when the swollen blood vessels rupture.

2. Itching or Irritation:

   – Piles can cause itching and irritation in the anal region due to the presence of swollen blood vessels.

3. Pain or Discomfort:

   – Pain or discomfort during bowel movements is a common symptom, especially when passing hard stools. External piles can cause pain if they develop a blood clot (thrombosis).

4. Swelling or Lump:

   – Piles can lead to the formation of a lump or swelling around the anus. This can be felt or seen externally.

5. Protrusion:

   – Internal piles may protrude through the anus during straining or bowel movements. These may require manual reinsertion.

6. Mucus Discharge:

   – Some individuals may experience a discharge of mucus from the anus, which can be associated with internal piles.

7. Incomplete Bowel Movements:

   – The presence of piles can contribute to a feeling of incomplete bowel movements, even after passing stool.

Causes of Piles:

1. Straining During Bowel Movements:

   – Straining while passing stool, often due to constipation, can contribute to the development of piles.

2. Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea:

   – Both chronic constipation and diarrhea can irritate the rectum and contribute to the formation of piles.

3. Pregnancy:

   – The increased pressure on the pelvic veins during pregnancy can lead to the development or worsening of piles.

4. Obesity:

   – Being overweight can increase the pressure on the rectum and contribute to the development of piles.

5. Aging:

   – Aging is associated with the weakening of the connective tissues that support the blood vessels in the anal area.

6. Genetic Factors:

   – Some individuals may be predisposed to piles due to genetic factors.

7. Sitting or Standing for Prolonged Periods:

   – Prolonged sitting or standing can contribute to the development of piles by increasing pressure on the rectal veins.

8. Low-Fiber Diet:

   – Diets low in fiber can lead to constipation, which is a common factor in the development of piles.

9. Heavy Lifting:

   – Straining during heavy lifting can increase pressure on the rectum and contribute to the development of piles.

Types of Piles:

1. Internal Piles:

   – These are piles that form inside the rectum where there are fewer pain-sensing nerves, so they are less likely to be painful. However, they can cause bleeding, and if they prolapse (extend outside the anal opening), they may cause discomfort.

2. External Piles:

   – These are piles that form under the skin around the outside of the anal opening. They can be itchy or painful, especially when sitting.

3. Prolapsed Piles:

   – Piles that extend out of the anal opening during straining or bowel movements and retract spontaneously are referred to as prolapsed piles.

4. Thrombosed Piles:

   – When blood pools in an external pile and forms a clot, it becomes a thrombosed pile. This can cause significant pain and swelling.

5. Grade I:

   – Small inflammations, usually inside the lining of the anus. They may bleed but don’t protrude.

6. Grade II:

   – Larger swellings that may come out of the anus when you go to the toilet, but then return on their own.

7. Grade III

   – Piles that hang out of the anus and can be pushed back in when you go to the toilet.

8. Grade IV:

   – Piles that always hang down from within the anus and cannot be pushed back in. They may contain blood clots or pull much of the lining of the rectum through the anus.