Piles

Piles

Piles are inflamed and swollen collections of tissue in the anal area.
They can have a range of sizes, and they may be internal or external.
Internal piles are normally located between 2 and 4 centimeters (cm) above the opening of the anus, and they are the more common type. External piles occur on the outside edge of the anus.

Causes
• Piles are caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum.
• The blood vessels around the anus and in the rectum will stretch under pressure and may swell or bulge, forming piles. This may be due to:
• chronic constipation
• chronic diarrhea
• lifting heavy weights
• pregnancy
• straining when passing a stool
• The tendency to develop piless may also be inherited and increases with age.