Piles, also known as Hemorrhoids, are enlarged veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus.

• Rectal bleeding 
  
• Rectal bleeding after bowel movements 
  
• Bright red blood in the stool 
  
• Pain during bowel movements 
  
• Anal itching
  Signs and tests:
  Rectal examination may be sufficient to diagnose hemorrhoids.
  
• Stool guaiac shows the presence of blood.
  Tests that reveal hemorrhoids include:
  
• Sigmoidoscopy
  
• Anoscopy
  
• Proctoscopy
  

Avoiding contributing factors and eating a high fiber diet may help to prevent the development of hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the veins of the anus. The most common cause is straining at bowel movements. Constipation, prolonged sitting, and anal infection are contributing factors. Internal hemorrhoids occur near the beginning of the anal canal, and external hemorrhoids occur at the anal opening. Hemorrhoids also sometimes protrude outside the anus. They are very common, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth. The incidence is two out of 1000 people.

Mild cases are controlled by drinking fluids, high-fiber diet, and regular toilet habits. Corticosteroid creams (see corticosteroids - topical) help reduce pain and swelling. Procedural treatments consist of rubber band ligation, cryosurgery, or hemorrhoidectomy.

Drink plenty of healthy liquids throughout the day.

Effective applications:

Full Spectrum Horse Chestnut, Avenoc Tablets (formerly Hemorrhoids 121)and Hemorrhoid Relief are the dietary supplements which contain a herb horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) that shows its beneficial effects on discomfort and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. ^{1, 2, 3} Butcher's Broom is a herb that exhibits its wholesome effects on hemorrhoids and reduces swelling and discomfort associated with it. ^{1, 2, 4, 5}