Piles symptoms can include fresh blood on the feces, in the toilet, or on the toilet paper after wiping. Piles, or hemorrhoids, generally occur when veins in the rectum or anus become swollen, and piles can appear inside the rectum, or on the external skin of the anus. Hemorrhoids inside the rectum that become prolapsed can cause pain, itching and the sensation that a bowel movement is necessary, while external hemorrhoids can also cause swelling, itching, discomfort and bleeding. Piles aren't considered a dangerous medical condition, and in many cases, piles symptoms don't even appear. Home remedies can usually help hemorrhoids heal, but surgical intervention can correct the problem if necessary, and certain lifestyle changes can make piles less likely to occur.
The swelling that causes piles can occur in persons who eat too little fiber, or who suffer from chronic diarrhea or constipation. Spending too much time on the toilet can make inflammation of anal and rectal veins more likely. Straining too much to pass bowel movements can contribute to hemorrhoids. Skin and connective tissues in the anal and rectal areas may become less elastic with age, making piles more likely. Pregnancy can also contribute to this condition, since it can cause the veins of the area to become temporarily larger.
Piles can occur internally or externally. Piles symptoms may not appear, or may be minimal, when piles remain inside the body. Internal piles may protrude from the anus, and when they do so they are generally said to have prolapsed. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can usually be felt protruding from the anus. They may seem to dangle from the anus, and they may be knobbly or bumpy.
External piles usually cause piles symptoms, such as itching, pain, discomfort, and rectal bleeding. A hemorrhoid on the external skin of the anus can usually be felt as a hard lump. Sometimes the lump becomes filled with blood.
The most common piles symptoms include the appearance of small amounts of fresh blood on the feces, on the toilet paper or in the toilet. Pain, discomfort, and itching usually aren't severe. Treatment typically involves keeping the area clean, eating a high-fiber diet, and drinking plenty of water. If these measures do not successfully heal the piles, a physician may be able to shrink them by cutting off circulation with a special band, injecting the hemorrhoid with medication, or applying heat to the hemorrhoid. If the hemorrhoid occurs on the external skin and is very large, a physician may surgically excise it.