Symptoms of Piles are the result of swollen veins in the lower rectum and anal region. They are also called hemorrhoids in many parts of the world. If piles protrude outside the anus, these veins which are enlarged and inflamed have the appearance of little balls. In the middle ages, people began to refer to this condition as piles for the Latin term meaning ball.
There are two types of piles: internal and external.
Internal piles can remain symptomless for a long time, and in some cases, some people may never develop any pile symptoms. However, most people will develop symptoms of piles at some time in their lives because it is such a common affliction.
External piles develop around the outside of the anus, and they may cause severe pain and complications.
List of Piles Symptoms
Bleeding Piles during a bowel movement. Blood may appear on the toilet tissue, on the stool or on the toilet bowl. The blood should be a bright red in color because it comes from the rectum or anal area. Bleeding higher up in the intestinal tract darkens th blood by the time it is expelled and could mean a more serious condition.
Rectal itching, burning, or pain from the drainage.
Protrusion or prolapse of the piles outside the anus. There are two stages. In the first stage, the pile protrudes during a bowel movement but retracts afterwards. In the second stage, the pile no longer retracts and will remain outside the anus. This condition can cause severe pain.
A hard lump or lumps around the anus caused by external piles. Veins outside the anus develop blood clots which harden and become painful.
The blood in these veins cannot circulate, so the condition is referred to as strangulated or thrombosed. This can lead to complications such as tissue death (gangrene).
Swelling around the anus from the inflamed veins.
Anytime there is bleeding from the rectum, you should consult your doctor for a diagnosis and to rule out other colorectal conditions. Piles can be successfully treated with home remedies and lifestyle changes if you don’t allow the condition to get worse. Remember that these symptoms are your body’s warning that something is wrong. Do not wait to take action once you find yourself having symptoms of piles.
Written by Joy Seeman
© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center
