Piles or hemorrhoids as they are more appropriately called, are veins that have become swollen and inflamed.
They are much like varicose veins in the legs, only they are located in the rectal area.
* There are fundamentally two types depending on location of them.
When piles are not visible and remain inside the rectum, they are called internal piles or (internal hemorrhoids) and if they are visible around the anus they are known as external piles or (external hemorrhoids).
In either case the symptoms are usually similar.
If not to severe, hemorrhoids are accompanied by an itching burning sensation and usually blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
In more serious cases, there will occasionally be major pain.
It's important to note that, even if the symptoms are not severe, you must see a doctor if you have observed blood in the toilet, just to be safe.
Bleeding stools may indicate hemorrhoids but could also possibly indicative colon cancer, or other more serious condition, so in if in doubt always consult a professional and do not think the worst unless you have undergone a proper diagnosis.
Nearly half the adult population has or will develop hemorrhoids.
Both men and women are equally affected, except for that fact that pregnancy and child birth dramatically increase the odds in women.
Piles home treatments are easy and can be tried out before resorting to over the counter medications or hemorrhoid surgery.
There are many piles treatments available for you to use at home, remembering of course to see your doctor if you observe blood or if the symptoms are severe.
Constipation is a major contributing factor, both as a cause of piles and as an aggravating factor if you already have hemorrhoids.
Always try to eat fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, everyday and take fiber supplements if necessary.
Whether or not you routinely suffer constipation, try not strain on the toilet or to spend too much time sitting there.
Piles home treatments are the most widely adopted means of piles treatments as a lot of people don't like seeking professional piles cure, as it is inconvenient and embarrassing to talk about.
Use only the softest toilet paper or consider pads soaked in witch hazel or aloe vera.
There are also many piles creams available at every store that has a pharmacy section, that can be used for temporary relief.
While piles creams can relieve symptoms effectively in the short term, they are not recommended for long term use or should not be seen as a piles cure.
There are also many doctor only treatments.
These include chemical injections which help to shrink piles.
There is also a method that employs tightening a rubber band around the piles, thus causing them to lose blood circulation and eventually wither and fall off.
This method is widely used to shrink hemorrhoids and is called hemorrhoid banding.
Still another course of action is radical piles surgery, called hemorrhoidectomy.
Piles surgery is the last resort and only tried when hemorrhoids home treatments or various over the counter methods have failed.