What Is Piles?

Sometimes called hemorrhoids, piles is a medical condition that causes inflammation of the veins surrounding the anus. Around half of all adults over the age of 50 have experienced piles at least once, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Causes

• Piles usually occurs due to pressure in the rectum or bottom of the large intestine caused by straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods of time on a toilet, chronic diarrhea or constipation, obesity, pregnancy or anal intercourse.

Types

• Internal piles affect the veins inside your anus and are not visible from the outside. External piles develop in the veins on the outside of your anus and may cause swelling or lumps that you can feel.

Symptoms

• Piles usually cause itching around the anal area and may result in an aching feeling while you sit or pain when you defecate, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Occasionally piles bleed causing bright red blood to appear in your stool.

Treatment

• For mild external piles, over-the-counter topical corticosteroid medications often relieve the swelling, while non-prescription lidocaine can reduce itching and pain. Infrared, laser or traditional surgery may be necessary for persistent, internal hemorrhoids.

Considerations

• In many cases, piles clear up with treatment only to return again in the future, explains the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Eating a high fiber diet and drinking fluids may help prevent their return.