Haemorrhoids — commonly called piles — are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus and lower rectum, essentially varicose veins in an unforgiving location. Straining on the toilet, chronic constipation, pregnancy, and prolonged sitting raise the pressure that produces them. Symptoms range from itching and discomfort to pain and bright-red bleeding. Diet is central to both cause and cure: low-fibre Western eating produces the hard stools and straining behind most cases, while a fibre-rich diet with plenty of fluids keeps stools soft and prevention simple. Most piles respond to dietary change, topical treatment, and habit reform; severe or prolapsing ones may need banding or surgery. An undignified but extremely common affliction.