Piles in human body are swollen or bulging veins located around the anus or lower rectum. Piles are also known as hemorrhoids and commonly cause symptoms like pain, itching and bleeding during bowel movements. They can develop internally or externally around the anus.

What Are Piles In Human Body? Did you know nearly three out of every four adults will have hemorrhoids from time to time? Piles are very common in both women and men. Though not serious, they can be quite painful and uncomfortable if not treated properly.

Piles occur due to increased pressure on the veins around the anus during bowel movements. Constipation, prolonged sitting on toilet and pregnancy are some common causes that lead to piles. Applying cream or taking medicines as prescribed by doctor can help reduce swelling and provide relief from symptoms of piles. Regular exercise and high-fiber diet also helps prevent recurrence of piles.

What Parts Of The Human Body Can Piles Affect?

Piles can affect the lower rectum and anus area of the human body. The lower rectum is located near the end of the large intestine before it meets the anus. Piles form in the veins located in this region of the body.

 

The piles themselves can form both inside the anus or develop underneath the skin around the anus on the outside. They often cause symptoms like pain, itching and bleeding in the areas they develop depending on their exact location.

What Is The Anus And How Can It Be Affected By Piles?

The anus is the external opening at the end of the digestive tract where bodily waste is excreted. Piles can directly affect the tissues inside and around the anus.

 

The weight and pressure of piles inside the anus can cause pain and irritation around the opening. Piles located outside beneath the skin near the anus can stretch the skin and cause damage if large in size.

What Are Hemorrhoids And How Do They Relate To Piles?

Hemorrhoids are another name for piles. Both terms refer to the enlarged and swollen veins that develop in the rectum and anus due to increased pressure.

Hemorrhoids are the medical term while piles is more commonly used by laypeople to describe the same condition. Regardless of the name, they involve enlarged veins in the rectal area of the body.

What Causes Pressure And Pain In The Anal Region For Piles?

There are a few factors that can put pressure in the anal region and lead to piles. Prolonged sitting or standing can add downward pressure in this area over long periods of time.

Chronic constipation with hard bowel movements also increases downward pressure over time on the anal veins which have weak supporting tissues.

Common Symptoms Of Piles In The Human Body

 5 common symptoms of piles in the human body

Bleeding

Bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of piles. Bright red blood may appear on the toilet paper or stool during or after a bowel movement. Heavy bleeding can also lead to anemia in severe cases.

Itching

Anal itching is very common with piles. It happens due to irritation from the swollen veins and discharge of mucus. Scratching in the area can further worsen the condition.

Discomfort or pain

Piles often cause a dull ache or burning sensation around the anal opening. Sitting down can be quite painful for many. Heavy lifting or passing hard stools increases the discomfort.

Swelling or lump

An external hemorrhoid may appear as a swollen, bluish colored lump outside the anus. Internal piles may also cause a fullness or pressure sensation inside.

Bleeding during bowel movements

Blood spots or traces of blood on the toilet paper after a bowel movement are a common presentation of piles. Heavy bleeding requires immediate medical attention.

 

These are some of the most frequent symptoms experienced by people suffering from piles. Bleeding, itching and pain are hallmarks of both internal and external hemorrhoids.

How Do Piles Develop In The Human Body?

Piles develop due to increased pressure and straining in the anal and rectal region over time. This causes the anal veins to gradually swell and stretch. Genetics, age and lifestyle factors that weaken the walls of these veins or increase pressure also contribute to their development in the Piles In Human body.

Causes Increased Pressure In The Anal Veins Leading To Piles

 

Cause	Explanation
Constipation	Chronic hard stools and straining puts excessive pressure on the anal veins over time.
Obesity	Extra weight in the abdomen causes downward pressure on the pelvic and anal area.
Pregnancy	The growing baby and uterus puts pressure on blood vessels in the lower body during pregnancy.
Lifting heavy objects	Lifting can temporarily increase abdominal pressure and strain anal veins.
Prolonged sitting	Sitting for long hours without breaks keeps pressure on the anal region.
Age-related changes	As we age, connecting tissues weaken making anal veins more prone to dilation.
Medical conditions	Liver disease, IBD, certain medications affect anal vein pressure.

In summary, anything that causes frequent or prolonged pressure increases in the anal canal region due to stools, weight, posture or medical issues can potentially lead to piles by straining the anal veins over the long term.

How Does Straining During Bowel Movements Contribute To Piles?

Straining to pass hard stools during constipation increases the pressure inside the abdomen and anal canal region. This pressure is transferred to the hemorrhoidal veins in the rectum and anus causing them to swell and dilate.

The pushing and pressure further weakens the venous walls over time predisposing them to enlargement and development of piles.

What Role Does Genetics And Family History Play In Piles?

How Do Certain Illnesses And Conditions Increase The Risk Of Piles?

Liver diseases like cirrhosis that cause increased blood pressure in the portal vein system can transfer higher pressures to the anal veins as well leading to piles.

Chronic disorders like IBD that cause ongoing inflammatory changes and straining also are known risk factors according to research studies.

How Are Piles Diagnosed In The Human Body?

Piles are usually diagnosed after a medical examination and physical assessment by a doctor. Doctors can often identify external piles visually during an exam.For internal piles or to rule out other causes, further tests may be required to confirm diagnosis.

What Examinations Does A Doctor Perform To Diagnose Piles?

Doctors will ask about medical history, symptoms and do a general physical exam first. They also perform a digital rectal exam with gloved fingers to locate and assess piles.

This external exam helps identify size, location and other details of any piles present. It allows internal inspection of the lower rectum as well.

What Does A Digital Rectal Exam Involve And Why Is It Important?

A digital rectal exam involves gently inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum. This allows the doctor to feel for any piles or masses inside the canal.

It is important to accurately diagnose piles, rule out other causes of bleeding and assess how far inside the rectum any piles may extend.

What Other Tests Might A Doctor Recommend For Piles?

Additional tests like an anoscopy may be done to visually examine the inside of the anal canal with a short lighted tube. Blood tests help rule out other potential causes of symptoms.Imaging tests like ultrasound may be used if piles are difficult to examine or diagnosed visually during other tests.

How Can Imaging Tests Like Ultrasound Help Diagnose Piles?

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the internal anorectal area. It can clearly show enlarged hemorrhoidal tissues inside or outside the anal canal helping confirm piles.It also helps assess other details like degree of swelling present better than a manual exam alone in some cases.

What Are The Treatment Options For Piles In The Human Body?

Treatment depends on each case but aims to reduce symptoms, promote comfort and shrink piles. Lifestyle changes can help in mild cases.

What Lifestyle And Home Remedies Can Help Provide Relief From Piles?

Good hygiene, gentle cleaning after bowel movements, witch hazel applications, sitz baths, cold compresses and over-the-counter creams can temporarily ease mild symptoms.

 

Increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged sitting can help prevent straining and reduce pressure that aggravates piles.

When Are Over-The-Counter Piles Treatments Recommended?

For occasional minor bleeding or mild symptoms, over-the-counter creams, ointments, suppositories and pads may provide relief from itching, pain and help dry out piles. Corticosteroid creams applied for a few weeks help reduce inflammation and swelling in early stage internal piles according to some research.

What Procedures Are Used To Treat Piles And Provide Long Term Relief?

For larger piles not improving with lifestyle and medications, procedures to shrink or remove piles may be used. Rubber band ligation applies bands to cut off blood flow to internal piles. Injection sclerotherapy involves injecting chemicals to scar tissue around Body Whitening Pills piles and reduce their size over time. Stapling and hemorrhoidopexy procedures reposition the anal tissue above piles.

When Is Surgery Recommended For Piles And What Does It Involve?

Surgery is considered for large, prolapsed piles or if other treatments fail to improve severe symptoms over time. Hemorrhoidectomy removes piles through an incision under local or general anesthesia.Recovery takes one or two weeks but provides the most effective long term relief when non-surgical options don’t work.

Frequently Asked Question

What Are Piles?

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus.

What Causes Piles?

Straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting on the toilet, and chronic constipation or diarrhea can cause pressure on the veins and lead to piles.

What Are The Symptoms Of Piles?

Common symptoms include itching or pain around the anus, feeling lumps around the anus or in the stool during bowel movements, and rectal bleeding.

How Are Piles Diagnosed?

A doctor can usually diagnose piles by examining the anus and rectum during a physical exam. They may also use an anoscopy to view the interior of the anus and rectum.

How Are Piles Treated?

Over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms, and mild cases may go away on their own. For more severe or persistent cases, procedures like rubber band ligation or surgery may be used to remove or repair the affected veins.

Conclusion

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, can cause painful symptoms but many cases are treatable. By understanding what causes piles and recognizing the warning signs, you can take steps to prevent piles or seek treatment early if they develop. Making simple lifestyle changes like eating more fiber, staying hydrated, and avoiding long periods of sitting can help reduce pressure in the rectal veins and lower your risk of developing piles.

 

Piles are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that can result from increased pressure. While they may cause discomfort, piles are a common condition and can often be improved through conservative at-home treatments and procedures if needed.

Consulting a doctor can help confirm a diagnosis of piles and discuss the best treatment approach based on the severity of symptoms and underlying contributing factors. With the right care, most people are able to effectively manage and relieve their piles.