Piles - Symptoms

• There is often painless bleeding while passing stools, a few drops of blood on the tissue paper or in the toilet bowl.
• Pain or discomfort can be felt in the rectum after passing stools, after which it becomes difficult to sit on a chair.
• One may have a feeling of unsatisfactory bowel movement.
• Haemorrhoids often cause a painful, hard lump around the anus.
• Mucus may be seen with the stools.
• The area around the anus may turn red and sore.
• Nearly 70% people suffer from:
  • burning sensation
  • itching
  • mild constipation
  • constant sensation of heaviness in the anus
  • unsatisfactory bowel movement

Stages of internal piles

• Grade 1 - Small invisible varicose veins tend to bleed easily, but the amount of blood loss is minimal.
• Grade 2 - The veins are visible only while passing stools, but go back inside on their own afterwards.
• Grade 3 - Referred to as 'prolapsed haemorrhoids'; these are visibly hanging out, but can be pushed back inside the anus.
• Grade 4 - Haemorrhoids stay out of the body and cannot be pushed back.

External piles are small lumps that develop outside the edge of the anus. They are very painful, especially if they have a blood clot inside. Therefore, they need urgent medical attention.

When to seek medical advice

It is advisable to consult a doctor at the early stages of piles.