Symptoms of piles

Symptoms depend on whether piles are inside or outside the anus.

Internal piles

• Painless bright red blood on toilet paper, in the stool or in the toilet bowl
• A soft lump that comes out during a bowel movement and may go back by itself or need to be pushed back
• Mucus discharge and a feeling of incomplete emptying
• Itching around the anus

External piles

• Itching, soreness or aching around the anus
• Painful lumps around the anus
• Swelling that makes cleaning difficult

Thrombosed piles

A blood clot forms in an external pile, causing sudden, severe pain and a hard, bluish lump.

Symptoms that need prompt medical review

• Any rectal bleeding that is new, heavy or keeps returning
• Black or tarry stool, or blood mixed through the stool
• Change in bowel habits for more than 2 to 3 weeks
• Unexplained weight loss, tiredness or paleness
• Severe pain, fever or a lump that cannot be pushed back

Heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting needs emergency care (112 or 102).

Not always piles

Fissures, polyps, infections and bowel cancer can look similar, which is why bleeding needs checking.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Bleeding, burning, pain and mass-like swelling are described under Arsha, as Pitta and Vata features. This does not replace an examination.

When to get help

See a doctor if symptoms last more than 1 to 2 weeks despite home care, if bleeding is new or repeated, or if you are over 40 and notice any change in bowel habits. Early checking rules out other causes and prevents complications.

Remember

Rectal bleeding is common with piles, but it should always be checked once, especially after 40.