Piles (hemorrhoids) are of two types: internal and external. Internal piles (hemorrhoids) are those, which develop inside the anus. They are usually painless but sometimes may cause a vague discomfort. Slight bleeding may be seen especially if the stools are hard. These piles (hemorrhoids) have a tendency to bulge out of the anal opening when they appear like a bunch of grapes, which is painful. External piles develop at the margins of the anal opening and are painful as the skin around them is sensitive. These may rupture and bleed especially due to repeated friction. When the external piles (hemorrhoids) become thrombosed (presence of blood clot) it may be felt as a small, painful lump around the anal opening

Piles (hemorrhoids) are not curable but can be easily controlled by bringing a few changes in your diet and lifestyle. If you have painful and bleeding piles (hemorrhoids) it is best to consult your doctor as you may require some medication also. In pregnant women, hemorrhoids (occurring just because of pregnancy) are often a temporary problem that usually disappears totally, after childbirth.

Answered by deepa , an ibibo Advisor, at 10:48 AM on December 25, 2007

Piles may be caused by more than one factor. Piles can be either internal or external and patients may have both types. External piles occur below the dentate line and are generally painful. When inflamed they become red and painful and if they become clotted, they can cause severe pain and be felt as a painful mass in the anal area. Internal piles are located above the dentate line and are usually painless. Dentate line is a line seen in the anal canal that demarcates the area with pain sensation from that without it. Piles that protrude into but do not prolapse out of the anal canal are classed as grade I; if they prolapse on defecation but spontaneously reduce they are grade II; piles that require manual reduction are grade III; and if they cannot be reduced they are grade IV. Piles that remain prolapsed may develop thrombosis and gangrene.

Answered by MRIDUL BORA , an ibibo Master, at 2:32 AM on December 25, 2007

PILES ARE OF TWO TYPES INTERNAL PILES (PILES FOUND INSIDE ANAL CANAL)AND EXTERNAL (PILES FOUND OUTSIDE ANAL CANAL ).THEY ARE FURTHER CLASSIFIED AS FIRST DEGREE,SECOND DEGREE AND THIRD DEGREE PILES BEING MOST DANGEROUS.YES ,THEY ARE CURABLE.I`VE SEEN MANY PEOPLE CURED BY AUYRVEDIC TREATMENT.CONSTIPATION SHOULD BE AVOIDED AND THE DIET SHOULD BE RICH IN FIBRE AND NONSPICY WITH LESS OIL.

Answered by sanya , an ibibo Master, at 7:07 PM on December 24, 2007