13/10/2015
What are piles? And what are symptoms of
Piles can be of various sizes and may be internal (inside the a**s) or external ones (outside the a**s). Typically, internal piles occur from 2 to 4cm above the opening of the a**s. External piles (perianal hematoma) occur on the outside edge of the a**s. The internal ones are much more common.
According to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), symptomatic hemorrhoids affect at least half the American population at some time in their lives before the age of 50.
In the majority of cases, piles are effectively treated with over-the-counter medications, a good fluid intake, and by following a diet high in fiber. In severe cases, the piles may have to be surgically removed. About 10% of patients who go and see their doctor about piles eventually require surgical intervention.

:- Symptoms of piles
In most cases piles are not serious and go away on their own after a few days.5
An individual with piles may experience the following symptoms:6
A hard lump may be felt around the a**s. It consists of coagulated blood, called a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. This can be painfulAfter going to the toilet, a feeling that the bowels are still fullBright red blood after a bowel movementItchiness around the a**sMucus discharge when emptying the bowelsPain while defecatingThe area around the a**s may be red and sore.
Internal hemorrhoids are classified into four grades:
Grade 1 - there are small inflammations, usually inside the lining of the a**s. They are not visibleGrade 2 - larger than grade hemorrhoids, but also inside the a**s. When passing a stool, they may get pushed out, but return unaidedGrade 3 - often called 'pr*****ed hemorrhoids'; these appear outside the a**s. The patient may feel them hanging out. They can be pushed back in if the patient presses with their fingerGrade 4 - these cannot be pushed back in and need to be treated by a doctor. They are large and stay outside the a**s all the time.
External hemorrhoids are called perianal hematoma. These are small lumps that are located on the outside edge of the a**s. They are very itchy and can be painful if a blood clot forms inside (thrombosed external hemorrhoid). Thrombosed external hemorrhoid requires medical treatment straight away.
