Piles are swollen veins in the anus. If the swollen veins are found internally inside the anus, they are termed as Internal Piles. If the veins are found swollen from under the skin around the anus and are hanging externally outside they are termed as External Piles.

Thrombosed Piles

Sometimes blood might accumulate in external piles and can clot. They are found as hard lumps or swellings near the anus to cause severe pain. This swelling makes passing motion or stools very difficult and painful.

Symptoms of Piles

• Blood in the stool. Usually found as spot on the stools. Most of the time, the bleeding is painless.
• Sometimes pain is also accompanied while passing the stools. The pain may be mild or severe based on the severity of the piles.
• An itchy sensation around the anus.
• Swelling can be found around the anus if it is an external piles.
• If the piles is thrombosed, it can be extremely painful and it is difficult for passing stools.

Causes of Piles

• The number one reason is constipation. Chronic constipation present for many years can cause piles.
• Straining while passing stools is said to cause piles in the long run. This factor is related to constipation.
• Western toilets can increase or aggravate the piles.
• Sitting for long hours in the toilet can cause pressure in the anus.
• Obesity

Bad food habits – Consuming foods that are having more refined flour and sugar in it and less fiber increases the chances for constipation.