Piles is another term for hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are collections of inflamed tissue in the anal canal. They contain blood vessels, support tissue, muscle, and elastic fibers.

Many people have piles, but the symptoms are not always obvious. Hemorrhoids cause notice

Piles are inflamed and swollen collections of tissue in the anal area.

They can have a range of sizes, and they may be internal or external.

Internal piles are normally located between 2 and 4 centimeters (cm) above the opening of the anus, and they are the more common type. External piles occur on the outside edge of the anus.

Symptoms

In most cases, the symptoms of piles are not serious. They normally resolve on their own after a few days.

An individual with piles may experience the following symptoms:

A hard, possibly painful lump may be felt around the anus. It may contain coagulated blood. Piles that contain blood are called thrombosed external hemorrhoids.

After passing a stool, a person with piles may experience the feeling that the bowels are still full.

Bright red blood is visible after a bowel movement.

The area around the anus is itchy, red, and sore.

Pain occurs during the passing of a stool.

Piles can escalate into a more severe condition. This can include:

excessive anal bleeding, also possibly leading to anemia

infection

fecal incontinence, or an inability to control bowel movements

anal fistula, in which a new channel is created between the surface of the skin near the anus and the inside of the anus

a strangulated hemorrhoid, in which the blood supply to the hemorrhoid is cut off, causing complications including infection or a blood clot,