Piles

What Are Piles

Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are when the veins located in the lower rectum and the anal canal become swollen and dilated. These dilated veins (varicose veins) become convoluted beneath the tissue layers and appear similar to a ball of hair covered by a cloth. Such a protrusion is known as a pile mass.

What are the causes?

Piles may occur due to straining during bowel movement. It often occurs in the case of chronic constipation where increased pressure is required in order to make the bowels move out of the rectum and anal canal. Hard stools may also contribute to worsening the condition by exerting added pressure to the dilated veins. Piles may also develop during pregnancy due to the additional weight in the pelvic region or as a trauma during child birth. Cirrhosis of the liver may cause pooling of blood in the anal vessel also resulting in piles. Additionally, Ayurveda designates the occurrence of piles due to habitual consumption of constipating foods such as potatoes, cabbage, channa (chick peas), split peas, spicy foods and excessively dry foods. Similarly suppression of the urge to pass flatulence and stools can lead to chronic constipation and eventually haemorrhoids. Constant use of hard seats and continuous pressure exerted on the anal sphincter may also cause piles to develop.

What are the symptoms?

• Pain and pressure inside the anal canal
• Small, round lump either on the anus or inside the anal canal
• Itching and soreness around the anus
• Blood stained stools or bleeding during passing stools
• In certain conditions, a pile mass may come out while passing stools and then retract back into the anal canal