Piles problem

Internal Piles - are located far within the rectum, and can’t be seen or felt. The only symptom is usually bleeding.

Internal piles can be classified into 4 grades:

Grade1: These are tiny haemorrhoids within the lining of the anus.

Grade 2: These haemorrhoids too lie within the anus and are slightly larger than grade 1 haemorrhoids. These haemorrhoids may get pushed out while passing stool but return to the original position on their own.

Grade 3: These are also known as 'prolapsed haemorrhoids'. They appear outside the anus. The patient can push them back in by pressing against them with his fingers.

Grade 4: These haemorrhoids cannot be pushed back and stay outside the anus at all times. They need to be treated by a doctor who usually suggests a surgery.

External Piles - are located around the anus right under the skin, where there are many pain-sensing nerves. They, therefore, hurt as well as bleed.

Anyone at any age can be affected by piles. Though it has been observed that people over 45 years of age usually get affected by piles.

About 50% of people experience this condition at some time in their life. Women who are pregnant too experience it. Though it is not clear what causes haemorrhoids, researchers think this might be an inherited condition of weak veins or varicose veins leading to haemorrhoids.