Types

• Internal haemorrhoids : The internal rectal veins can become swollen to form internal haemorrhoids. Internal haemorrhoids cannot be seen or felt, unless they are severe,
• External haemorrhoids: The external rectal veins can swell to form external haemorrhoids. External haemorrhoids can be seen around the outside of the anus and, many times, can be felt.

Thus, the main cause of piles include –

• Affects those who have chronic constipation.
• Even diarrhoea can cause piles. The strain for passing the stool is the main reason for the development of piles.
• After or during pregnancy, as the baby may press on the main blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.
• Overweight -Obesity.
• Heavy Physical strain – even coughing for long periods can cause the anal veins to strain.
• General weakness of the tissues of the body.
• Low fiber diet.
• Ageing
• Hereditary
• Anal intercourse-Anal Sex.
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Lifting too much weight
• Anal or rectal infection
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Strenuous work.
• Mental tension

The most common symptoms include –

• Intense pain and burning sensation at the time and extent for hours of passing stool.
• A pain around the anus and lower rectum, which can be quite severe.
• Frequent ineffectual urge for stool without passing stool or without satisfaction of complete evacuation.
• Itching in the rectal area.
• There may be bleeding. This will be bright red blood, not usually mixed in with the
  motion.
• There is often a feeling of something bulging, or hanging down from the anus.
• If a haemorrhoid at the outside of the anus gets a blood clot, it leads to tender lump.
• Anaemia due to profuse bleeding.
• Gas formation in the stomach.
• Sitting becomes difficult due to pain.
• If left untreated, piles can lead to complications including, infection, prolapse, necrosis and gangrene. Painful bleeding usually indicates start-up of  complications.