What are Piles (hemorrhoids)? Different Stages of Piles
Piles, also called hemorrhoids or bawaseer, are a very common problem affecting men and women of all ages. Many people feel shy to talk about piles, but ignoring the problem often makes it worse. Understanding what piles are, how piles start, and the different stages of piles helps you take the right treatment at the right time.
At Thrissur Piles Clinic, Dr. Raviram S., an experienced Proctologist in Thrissur, treats piles at every stage using modern, painless treatment options including laser piles surgery. This guide explains piles in simple words so anyone can understand.
What Are Piles (Hemorrhoids)?
Piles (hemorrhoids) are swollen and enlarged blood vessels present in the rectum and anus. These blood vessels are part of normal anatomy and help control bowel movements. Problems start when pressure builds up, causing them to swell, stretch, and become painful.
In simple words, piles are inflamed veins that cause bleeding, pain, itching, or lumps near the anus. In medical terms, piles are called hemorrhoids. In Indian languages, piles are also known as: Bawaseer (Hindi), Mulvyadh (Marathi), Moolakkuru (Malayalam), Piles disease (English).
Important Facts About Piles
- Piles are common and treatable
- Early-stage piles are not dangerous
- Piles affect 40–50% of people, mostly between 30–60 years
- Delayed treatment can cause pain, infection, or blood clots
- Early diagnosis prevents progression to severe stages
Types of Piles Based on Location
Internal Piles
- Located inside the rectum
- Usually painless
- Bleeding is the main symptom
External Piles
- Located outside the anus
- Often painful and itchy
- Can form blood clots (thrombosed piles)
Mixed Piles
- Combination of internal and external piles
- Causes both bleeding and pain
Why Do Piles Occur?
Many patients ask, “Why piles come?” or “How does piles happen?”
- Common causes include:
- Chronic constipation and hard stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting on the toilet for long time
- Low-fibre diet
- Drinking less water
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Obesity
- Long hours of sitting (office work, driving)
- Aging and weak supporting tissues
- Family history of piles
Piles usually start slowly and worsen if lifestyle habits are not corrected.
How Many Stages of Piles Are There?
A very common question is “how many stages of piles?” Piles are classified into four stages (grades) based on severity. Understanding the stages of piles helps choose the best treatment and avoid surgery.
Dr. Raviram S, your trusted Laser Piles Specialist in Thrissur, Kerala, specializes in managing piles across all stages, providing personalized care for each patient.
Stage 1 Piles (First-Degree / Beginning Stage)
Stage 1 piles are the starting stage of piles.
How Stage 1 Piles Look
- Located inside the rectum
- Not visible outside
Symptoms of Stage 1 Piles
- Fresh red blood while passing stool
- Mild itching or burning
- Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
- No pain or swelling
At this stage, many people ignore symptoms. Stage 1 piles can often be controlled with diet changes, medicines, and lifestyle correction.
Stage 2 Piles (Second-Degree)
Stage 2 piles are more noticeable.
What Happens in Stage 2 Piles?
- Piles come out during bowel movement
- Go back inside automatically
Symptoms of Stage 2 Piles
- Bleeding during motion
- Pain or discomfort
- Itching and irritation
- Mucus discharge
Without treatment, stage 2 piles usually progress to stage 3.
Stage 3 Piles (Third-Degree)
Stage 3 piles affect daily life.
How Stage 3 Piles Look
- Piles come out during bowel movement
- Must be pushed back manually
Symptoms of Stage 3 Piles
- Severe pain
- Frequent bleeding
- Swelling and discomfort
- Difficulty sitting
- Poor hygiene due to discharge
Stage 3 piles are considered dangerous if left untreated.
Stage 4 Piles (Fourth-Degree / Advanced Stage)
Stage 4 piles are the most severe.
Grade 4 Piles Symptoms
- Piles remain permanently outside
- Cannot be pushed back
- Constant severe pain
- Heavy bleeding leading to weakness
- Risk of infection and blood clots
Why Stage 4 Piles Are Dangerous
- Thrombosis (blood clots)
- Infection and pus formation
- Strangulation (loss of blood supply)
- Anaemia due to chronic bleeding
Stage 4 piles require urgent surgical treatment.
How Are Piles Treated Today?
Treatment depends on the stage of piles.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- High-fibre diet
- Adequate water intake
- Medicines and creams
- Sitz bath
- Effective only in early stages.
Laser Piles Treatment in Thrissur
For advanced piles, laser piles surgery is the best option.
Benefits of Laser Treatment
- Painless procedure
- No cuts or stitches
- Minimal bleeding
- Same-day discharge
- Fast recovery
- Very low recurrence
When Should You See a Doctor?
Consult Dr. Raviram S. immediately if you have:
- Repeated rectal bleeding
- Severe pain
- Piles coming out
- Weakness or dizziness
- No improvement with medicines
Early treatment means faster recovery and no surgery.
In Conclusion:
Piles are common, but they should never be ignored. Knowing what piles are, how many stages of piles exist, and which stage is dangerous helps you act early. From the starting stage to advanced stage 4 piles, effective and painless treatment is available.
If you are looking for the best piles treatment in Thrissur, consult Dr. Raviram S at Thrissur Piles Clinic for safe, advanced, and long-lasting relief.
Don’t suffer silently. Early care changes everything.
Are you tired of dealing with the discomfort of piles? Dr. Raviram S, a dedicated Gastro Surgeon & Laser Proctologist doctor in Thrissur, Kerala, is here to provide you with expert care and relief. Booking an appointment is easy, and we assure you a personalized approach to your well-being.
Speak With Doctor : https://g.co/kgs/GmQhfRq
Remember, relief is just an appointment away. We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic in Thrissur, Kerala, India, where expert care meets compassionate understanding.
FAQS: Stages of Piles
Piles progress through four stages, graded by severity and prolapse. Stage 1 is mild internal bleeding; stage 4 is severe with permanent external protrusion and complications.
- Stage 1: Small internal, bleeding, no prolapse
- Stage 2: Internal, prolapses and retracts
- Stage 3: Prolapses, requires manual reinsertion
- Stage 4: Permanent prolapse, cannot be reduced, dangerous
Many people ask, “Is piles dangerous or not?”
- Stage 1 and early stage 2 piles are not dangerous
- Stage 3 and stage 4 piles can be dangerous if untreated
Early consultation with a Piles Specialist in Thrissur prevents complications.
- Stage 1 piles may improve with diet and medicines
- Stages 2, 3, and 4 piles do not heal on their own
Ignoring piles leads to progression and surgery.
- Stage 1: Fiber, hydration, topical treatments
- Stage 2: Rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation
- Stage 3–4: Laser surgery, hemorrhoidectomy, stapled hemorrhoidopexy
Stage 4 is the most dangerous. Permanent prolapse risks thrombosis, strangulation, infection, and life-threatening anemia. Emergency treatment is necessary.