{"id":19164,"date":"2026-06-16T15:56:47","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T10:26:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/?p=19164"},"modified":"2026-06-16T15:58:36","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T10:28:36","slug":"what-are-haemorrhoids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/what-are-haemorrhoids\/","title":{"rendered":"Haemorrhoids (Piles): Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"hemorrhoids\"<\/p>\n

Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are a widespread condition affecting a significant portion of the adult population. Despite being common, many cases go unrecognised or are left unaddressed due to a lack of awareness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A clear understanding of their symptoms, underlying causes, and diagnostic process helps ensure timely and proper treatment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This article overviews Haemorrhoids, including their symptoms, causes, and diagnosis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What are Haemorrhoids?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Haemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are swollen and enlarged blood vessels located in and around the lower rectum and anus. Although the blood vessels in this region are a normal part of the human body, they become problematic when excess pressure causes them to swell, stretch, and inflame, causing haemorrhoids.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Haemorrhoids are broadly classified by their location.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Internal haemorrhoids form inside the rectum and are generally not visible or felt.<\/li>\n
  2. External haemorrhoids form beneath the skin surrounding the anus and can cause pain and discomfort.<\/li>\n
  3. When an internal haemorrhoid pushes through the anal opening, it is referred to as prolapsed.<\/li>\n
  4. A thrombosed haemorrhoid happens when a blood clot<\/a> forms within an external haemorrhoid, resulting in a firm, tender lump.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What Causes Haemorrhoids?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Increased pressure on the veins of the lower rectum and anus is the primary cause behind haemorrhoid development. Several factors contribute to this:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Straining during bowel movements:<\/strong> Pushing hard to pass stool puts direct pressure on rectal veins, gradually weakening their walls.<\/li>\n
    2. Chronic constipation or diarrhoea<\/a>:<\/strong> Constipation leads to harder stools and more straining, while persistent diarrhoea causes ongoing irritation to the anal region.<\/li>\n
    3. Prolonged sitting:<\/strong> Spending extended periods seated, especially on the toilet, increases pressure on the veins around the anus.<\/li>\n
    4. Pregnancy:<\/strong> The growing uterus exerts sustained pressure on pelvic veins.<\/li>\n
    5. Excess body weight:<\/strong> Extra weight from obesity increases pressure in the abdomen, which in turn affects the rectal veins.<\/li>\n
    6. Low-fibre diet:<\/strong> Insufficient dietary fibre results in harder stools, making straining during bowel movements more likely.<\/li>\n
    7. Heavy lifting and age:<\/strong> Frequent heavy lifting puts strain on the body, similar to straining during bowel movements, while ageing weakens the tissues supporting rectal veins.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      What are Haemorrhoids Symptoms?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      Haemorrhoids symptoms vary depending on the type of haemorrhoid present.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Internal Haemorrhoids<\/li>\n
      2. Painless bright red bleeding during or after a bowel movement<\/li>\n
      3. A sensation of incomplete emptying after passing stool<\/li>\n
      4. If prolapsed, a soft lump felt or seen outside the anus, which may cause discomfort<\/li>\n
      5. External Haemorrhoids<\/li>\n
      6. Itching or irritation around the anus<\/li>\n
      7. Pain or discomfort, particularly when sitting<\/li>\n
      8. Swelling around the anal area<\/li>\n
      9. Bleeding when wiping<\/li>\n
      10. Thrombosed Haemorrhoids<\/li>\n
      11. Sudden, severe pain around the anus<\/li>\n
      12. A firm, tender, and visibly discoloured lump near the anal opening<\/li>\n
      13. Swelling and inflammation that develops fast<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        How Are Haemorrhoids Diagnosed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

        A doctor begins with a physical exam of the anal area to identify external haemorrhoids. A digital rectal exam may follow to check for internal haemorrhoids. If needed, an anoscope or sigmoidoscope can be used to get a clearer view of the rectum and anal lining.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        How to Get Rid of Haemorrhoids?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

        For many people, mild haemorrhoids resolve on their own within a few days. Simple home-based haemorrhoids treatment is often enough to ease discomfort. These include:<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Soaking the anal area in warm water a few times a day to relieve pain and itching.<\/li>\n
        2. Applying a cold compress to ease swelling and discomfort.<\/li>\n
        3. Taking common painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage mild pain.<\/li>\n
        4. Drinking adequate water daily to keep stools soft and easier to pass.<\/li>\n
        5. Applying topical products containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel to ease itching and inflammation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

           <\/p>\n

          When symptoms do not improve after a week of home care, or if they worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is advised.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

          How to Prevent Haemorrhoids?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

          Simple lifestyle habits can reduce the risk of developing haemorrhoids.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Eat a fibre-rich diet including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep stools soft.<\/li>\n
          2. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent constipation.<\/li>\n
          3. Avoid straining or pushing hard during bowel movements.<\/li>\n
          4. Do not delay or ignore the urge to use the toilet.<\/li>\n
          5. Avoid prolonged sitting when using the toilet.<\/li>\n
          6. Exercise regularly to keep bowel movements consistent.<\/li>\n
          7. Maintain a healthy body weight.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

             <\/p>\n

            Although haemorrhoids are uncomfortable, they are largely manageable with timely care and simple lifestyle changes. Recognising symptoms early, maintaining a fibre-rich diet, and avoiding straining can help in both prevention and recovery.<\/p>\n

             <\/p>\n

            If rectal bleeding or related symptoms are noticed, consulting a healthcare provider is strongly recommended. A stool occult blood test<\/a> can also help detect blood in the stool and aid in accurate diagnosis.<\/p>\n

             <\/p>\n

            Book the stool examination occult blood test<\/a> conveniently through the Dr Lal PathLabs app<\/a>.<\/p>\n

             <\/p>\n

            FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n
              \n
            1. What is the cause of haemorrhoids and piles?<\/strong>
              \nHaemorrhoids or piles are caused by increased pressure on the rectal veins, commonly due to straining, constipation, pregnancy, prolonged sitting, or a low-fibre diet.<\/li>\n
            2. Are piles very serious?<\/strong>
              \nPiles are generally not serious. Most cases resolve with simple haemorrhoids treatment at home. However, a healthcare professional should evaluate persistent or severe symptoms promptly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are a widespread condition affecting a significant portion of the adult population. Despite being common, many cases go unrecognised or are left unaddressed due to a lack of awareness.   A clear understanding of their symptoms, underlying causes, and diagnostic process helps ensure timely and proper treatment.   This article […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":19165,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":""},"categories":[1055],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19164"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19164"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19164\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19170,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19164\/revisions\/19170"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19164"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19164"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lalpathlabs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19164"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}