Piles Getting Worse? 5 Daily Habits That May Be Making It Worse

Author : Kaizen Gastro Care | Published On : 05 Nov 2026

Piles can get worse because of everyday habits like sitting on the toilet for too long, straining during bowel movements, eating less fibre and drinking insufficient water. These habits can increase pressure around the rectum and worsen symptoms such as pain, itching, swelling and bleeding.

Many people think piles will settle on their own. However, ignoring symptoms or continuing habits that cause constipation can make the condition more uncomfortable. Small changes in your daily routine can help manage symptoms and reduce unnecessary pressure on the anal area.

If you are experiencing repeated bleeding, pain or a lump near the anus, it is important to understand the possible cause. Not every anal symptom is due to piles. An examination by an experienced doctor can help identify the correct condition.

In this blog, the Piles Specialist team at Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune, explains five common daily habits that may make piles worse, along with simple lifestyle changes that can help improve bowel health and manage symptoms.

What Are Piles and Why Do They Get Worse?

Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen and enlarged blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum. They commonly develop due to increased pressure in the lower rectal area.

There are two main types:

• Internal piles: These develop inside the rectum. They may cause painless bleeding during bowel movements.

• External piles: These develop under the skin around the anus. They can cause itching, swelling, discomfort and pain.

Some common piles symptoms include:

• Bright red blood during or after passing stool.

• Pain or discomfort while passing stool.

• Itching and irritation around the anus.

• Swelling or a lump near the anal opening.

• Mucus discharge or a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely.

Piles symptoms may become worse when constipation, hard stools and repeated straining continue for a long time.

5 Daily Habits That May Make Piles Worse

Certain daily habits can increase pressure on the blood vessels around the anus. Here are five common habits that may worsen piles symptoms.

1. Sitting on the Toilet for Too Long

Spending too much time on the toilet is one of the common habits that can worsen piles.

Many people use their mobile phones while sitting on the toilet. This can increase the time spent on the toilet without realising it. Sitting for a long time may increase pressure on the blood vessels around the anus.

How this habit makes piles worse:

• It can increase pressure around the rectal area.

• It may worsen swelling of existing piles.

• It can increase discomfort during bowel movements.

• It may contribute to irritation around the anal opening.

What should you do?

• Avoid using your mobile phone in the toilet.

• Do not sit on the toilet longer than necessary.

• Go to the toilet when you feel the urge.

• Avoid forcing bowel movements if stool does not pass easily.

2. Eating Less Fibre in Your Daily Diet

A low-fibre diet is one of the common reasons for constipation. When you do not eat enough fibre, your stool may become hard and difficult to pass.

Passing hard stools can put extra pressure on the anal area. This may worsen existing piles and cause bleeding or pain during bowel movements.

Foods that may help improve fibre intake include:

• Fruits such as papaya, apples, pears and oranges.

• Vegetables such as carrots, spinach and beans.

• Whole grains such as oats, wheat and brown rice.

• Pulses, lentils and beans.

• Nuts and seeds in suitable quantities.

What should you do?

Include fibre-rich foods in your daily meals. Increase fibre gradually to avoid gas and bloating. People with certain digestive conditions may need individualised dietary advice.

3. Drinking Insufficient Water

Not drinking enough water can contribute to constipation, especially when your diet is also low in fibre.

When stools become hard and dry, passing them requires more effort. Repeated straining can increase pressure on the blood vessels in the rectal area.

Signs that you may not be drinking enough water include:

• Hard stools.

• Difficulty passing stools.

• Infrequent bowel movements.

• Dark yellow urine.

• Feeling thirsty frequently.

What should you do?

• Drink water regularly throughout the day.

• Increase fluid intake during hot weather and physical activity.

• Include water-rich foods such as cucumber, watermelon and oranges.

• Avoid depending only on tea or coffee for your daily fluid intake.

Your water requirement may vary depending on your health, activity level and climate. People with kidney or heart conditions should follow their doctor's fluid advice.

4. Ignoring the Urge to Pass Stool

Many people delay bowel movements because of work, travel or busy schedules. However, repeatedly ignoring the urge to pass stool can contribute to constipation.

When stool remains in the colon for a longer time, more water may be absorbed from it. This can make the stool harder and more difficult to pass.

Hard stools can increase pressure during bowel movements and worsen piles symptoms.

What should you do?

• Do not regularly postpone bowel movements.

• Try to maintain a consistent toilet routine.

• Give yourself enough time in the morning.

• Respond to the natural urge to pass stool.

• Avoid excessive straining.

A regular bowel routine can help improve bowel movements and reduce unnecessary pressure around the anus.

5. Lack of Physical Activity and Sitting for Long Hours

A sedentary lifestyle can affect normal bowel movements. Sitting for extended periods, especially without regular movement, may contribute to constipation in some people.

People who work at desks, drive for long hours or have limited physical activity may experience irregular bowel habits.

How can this habit affect piles?

• It may contribute to constipation.

• It can make bowel routines less regular.

• Prolonged sitting may increase discomfort around existing piles.

• Reduced physical activity may affect overall digestive health.

What should you do?

• Walk for 20–30 minutes daily, depending on your fitness level.

• Take short breaks during long working hours.

• Avoid sitting continuously for several hours.

• Include light physical activities in your daily routine.

Regular movement can support bowel health and help prevent constipation.

Daily Habits That Can Worsen Piles: Quick Comparison

Can Piles Become Serious If You Ignore Them?

Yes, untreated piles can continue to cause discomfort and may develop complications.

Depending on the type and severity, possible complications include:

• Persistent bleeding: Repeated bleeding during bowel movements may lead to anaemia in some people.

• Thrombosed external piles: A blood clot may develop inside an external pile, causing sudden pain and swelling.

• Prolapsed piles: Internal piles may move outside the anal opening and may require manual repositioning or treatment.

• Skin irritation: Mucus discharge and difficulty cleaning the area may cause itching and irritation.

However, rectal bleeding should never automatically be considered piles. Conditions such as anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer can also cause bleeding.

Consult a doctor if bleeding continues, returns frequently or is associated with changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or abdominal discomfort. Heavy bleeding, dizziness or severe pain requires urgent medical attention.

How Can You Manage Piles Through Daily Lifestyle Changes?

Lifestyle changes are often the first step in managing mild piles symptoms. They can also help reduce the chances of constipation and repeated straining.

Some useful measures include:

1. Follow a fibre-rich diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and pulses.

2. Maintain hydration: Drink sufficient water throughout the day.

3. Avoid straining: Do not force stool during bowel movements.

4. Stay physically active: Include walking and other suitable exercises.

5. Try warm sitz baths: Sitting in comfortably warm water for 10–15 minutes may help relieve irritation and discomfort.

6. Maintain anal hygiene: Clean the area gently and avoid excessive rubbing.

7. Avoid self-medication: Do not use piles creams or suppositories for long periods without medical advice.

These measures may help manage symptoms, but they do not remove every type of piles. The right treatment depends on the severity and type of haemorrhoids.

When Should You Consult a Piles Doctor?

You should consider consulting a doctor if you experience:

• Repeated bleeding during bowel movements.

• Severe pain around the anus.

• A lump or swelling near the anal opening.

• Piles coming outside during bowel movements.

• Persistent itching or irritation.

• Symptoms that do not improve with lifestyle changes.

A doctor may perform a physical examination, digital rectal examination or proctoscopy, depending on your symptoms. In some cases, additional tests such as colonoscopy may be recommended to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding.

Treatment options depend on the condition. They may include dietary changes, medicines, rubber band ligation, injection treatment or surgical procedures for selected cases.

A Piles Doctor in Pune or a qualified surgical gastroenterologist can help assess persistent symptoms and recommend suitable treatment based on the diagnosis.

At Kaizen Gastro Care, Dr. Vikrant Kale (Senior Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Interventional Endoscopist) and Dr. Samrat Jankar (Surgical Gastroenterologist and GI Surgeon) are part of the specialist team. Their respective areas of expertise include digestive disorders and surgical gastrointestinal conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Piles

1. Why are my piles getting worse even after taking medicines?

Piles may continue to cause symptoms if constipation, hard stools and straining are not controlled. Medicines may provide temporary relief, but they may not resolve advanced piles. A proper examination can help identify the reason for persistent symptoms.

2. What are the five habits that make piles worse?

The five common habits are:

1. Sitting on the toilet for too long.

2. Eating a low-fibre diet.

3. Drinking insufficient water.

4. Ignoring the urge to pass stool.

5. Sitting for long hours without physical activity.

Changing these habits can help improve bowel movements and reduce pressure around the anal area.

3. Can piles go away by themselves?

Mild piles symptoms may improve with dietary changes, adequate water intake and better bowel habits. However, larger or prolapsed piles may require medical treatment. If symptoms continue or bleeding occurs repeatedly, consult a doctor.

4. Which foods should I avoid if I have piles?

There is no single food that everyone with piles must avoid. However, excessive consumption of low-fibre processed foods may contribute to constipation.

Try to limit foods that worsen your constipation or digestive discomfort. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and adequate fluids.

5. Is walking good for piles?

Yes. Walking is a useful form of physical activity that can support regular bowel movements and help prevent constipation. A daily walk of 20–30 minutes may be helpful, depending on your health and fitness level.

6. Can piles cause bleeding without pain?

Yes. Internal piles can cause painless bleeding, usually involving bright red blood during or after passing stool. However, rectal bleeding can have several causes. It is important to get repeated or unexplained bleeding checked by a doctor.

7. When should I visit the Best Piles Specialist in Pune?

Consider consulting a qualified piles specialist if you experience repeated bleeding, severe pain, swelling, prolapsed piles or symptoms that do not improve with lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis helps identify the condition and determine suitable treatment.

8. Can piles be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many mild cases can be managed with lifestyle changes, dietary modifications and medicines. Some patients may benefit from non-surgical procedures such as rubber band ligation. Surgery may be considered for advanced or complicated cases. Treatment depends on the severity and type of piles.

Conclusion

Piles can become more uncomfortable when everyday habits contribute to constipation, hard stools and repeated straining. Sitting on the toilet for too long, eating less fibre, drinking insufficient water, ignoring bowel urges and avoiding physical activity are five habits worth changing.

Start with simple steps such as eating fibre-rich foods, drinking enough water, walking regularly and maintaining a healthy toilet routine. These changes can help manage mild symptoms and support better bowel health.

However, do not ignore repeated rectal bleeding, severe pain or swelling. Not every anal problem is piles, and the correct diagnosis is important before starting treatment.

If your symptoms continue, consult a qualified gastroenterologist or surgical gastroenterologist for proper evaluation.