Piles (hemorrhoids), anal fissures, and anal fistulas are all anorectal conditions, but they differ in their nature, symptoms, and causes. Piles are swollen veins in the anal canal, fissures are tears in the anal lining, and fistulas are abnormal tunnels between the anal canal and the skin.

Piles (Hemorrhoids)

• Nature : Swollen veins in the rectum or anus.
• Symptoms : Pain, itching, bleeding, and discomfort, especially during bowel movements.
• Causes : Straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, and pregnancy.

Anal Fissures

• Nature : Small tears or cracks in the anal lining.

• Symptoms : Sharp pain during and after bowel movements, bleeding, and itching.
• Causes : Hard stools, straining during bowel movements, or chronic diarrhea.

Anal Fistulas

• Nature : Abnormal tunnel or passageway between the anal canal and the skin.
• Symptoms : Persistent pain, swelling, and discharge of pus or blood.
• Causes : Often a result of an anal abscess that doesn't heal properly.

In Summary

• Piles : involve swollen veins, fissures are tears, and fistulas are tunnels.
• Piles : cause pain, itching, and bleeding. Fissures cause sharp pain and bleeding, and fistulas cause pain and discharge.
• Piles : are often linked to straining and constipation. Fissures are linked to hard stools and straining. Fistulas often result from infections.