Piles
Causes, Symptoms, and Lifestyle Factors
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed blood vessels in the rectum or anus. They can develop inside the rectum (internal piles) or around the anus (external piles)
This condition is very common but often not discussed openly due to embarrassment. Piles can cause pain, itching, discomfort, and bleeding during bowel movements. While not usually life-threatening, untreated piles can become severe and greatly affect daily life.
Causes of Piles
The main causes of piles include
Chronic constipation – Straining too much during bowel movements.
Low-fiber diet – Eating less fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Sitting for long hours – Especially on the toilet seat.
Pregnancy – Pressure from the growing uterus increases risk.
Obesity – More body weight puts strain on rectal veins.
Heavy lifting – Increases abdominal pressure.
Aging – Tissues supporting blood vessels weaken with age.
Symptoms of Piles
Pain or discomfort during bowel movements
Itching, irritation, or swelling around the anus
Bright red bleeding after passing stool
Mucus discharge
A lump near the anus (external piles)
Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
Severe pain if a blood clot forms (thrombosed piles)
Lifestyle Factors That Worsens Piles
Sedentary habits – Sitting or lying down for long hours.
Lack of water – Dehydration hardens stools.
Spicy and junk food – Irritates the digestive tract.
Ignoring the urge to pass stool – Leads to harder bowel movements.
Lack of physical activity – Slows digestion and worsens constipation.
Naturo Healthcare View
Piles are uncomfortable but manageable with proper care. A high-fiber diet, regular hydration, and avoiding constipation are key to prevention. Ayurveda provides gentle yet effective remedies that can control piles naturally and reduce the need for surgery in many cases.
Take our Health Analysis Quiz to check if your symptoms match piles and explore Ayurvedic solutions tailored for you.