Hemorrhoids (also called piles) are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort, pain, and sometimes bleeding. They are quite common and can affect people of all ages, but are most frequent in adults.

Types of Hemorrhoids

1. Internal Hemorrhoids –

Located inside the rectum; usually painless but may cause bleeding during bowel movements.

2. External Hemorrhoids –

Found under the skin around the anus; can be painful, itchy, and may swell.

3. Thrombosed Hemorrhoids –

When a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, causing severe pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Causes / Risk Factors

• Straining during bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea)
• Chronic constipation
• Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet
• Low-fiber diet
• Obesity
• Pregnancy (due to increased pelvic pressure)
• Aging (weaker vein walls and tissues)

Symptoms

• Bright red blood in stool, toilet bowl, or on toilet paper
• Pain or discomfort in the anal area
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• Swelling or a lump near the anus
• Mucus discharge after bowel movements

Treatment

Lifestyle & Home Remedies

• High-fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
• Adequate fluid intake
• Regular exercise
• Avoid straining during bowel movements
• Sitz baths (warm water bath for 10–15 minutes)
• Over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories

Medical / Surgical Treatment (for severe or persistent cases)

• Rubber band ligation
• Kshar Sutra Ligation
• Laser Ablation
• Sclerotherapy (injection to shrink hemorrhoids)
• Infrared coagulation (laser/heat therapy)
• Hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal)
• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy When to Seek Medical Help
• Rectal bleeding that is heavy, frequent, or persistent
• Dark, tarry, or mixed blood in stool (may indicate something more serious than hemorrhoids, like GI bleeding)
• Severe pain in or around the anus that does not improve with home care
• Large or prolapsed hemorrhoids (coming out of the anus and not going back in easily)
• Persistent symptoms (pain, swelling, itching, or discomfort lasting more than a week despite self-care)
• Blood clots (thrombosed hemorrhoids) causing intense pain and swelling
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools for several weeks
• Family history of colorectal cancer or other digestive diseases along with rectal bleeding