What is piles or hemorrhoids?

Piles, or hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They are common and often cause itching, discomfort, and rectal bleeding.

There are two types of piles: internal & external. Internal piles inside the rectum are usually not visible or painful. External piles are located under the skin around the anus and can be felt and seen as small lumps.

Piles can develop due to increased pressure in the lower rectum, such as stretching during bowel movements, sitting for long periods, or being overweight. They can also occur during pregnancy when the increased pressure from the uterus can cause veins in the anus to become swollen.

In most cases, piles can be treated with simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre and fluid intake, avoiding straining during bowel movements, and using over-the-counter creams and ointments. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to remove the piles.

If you are experiencing symptoms of piles, it is important to speak with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.

 Types of Piles 

Internal piles: These are located inside the rectum and are not visible or painful. They may cause bleeding during bowel movements, but this is usually the only symptom.

External piles: These are located outside the rectum and can be seen and felt as small lumps. They can be painful, especially if they become thrombosed (develop a blood clot inside).

It is also possible to have a combination of internal and external piles.

The severity of piles can range from mild and hardly noticeable to severe and painful. The type of piles, as well as their severity, will determine the most appropriate treatment option. It is important to speak with a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of piles so that the best course of treatment can be determined for you.

Piles Stages Based on their Severity

Stage I: In this stage, the piles are small inside the rectum and may cause minimal discomfort or bleeding.

Stage II: In this stage, the piles are still inside the rectum but are larger and may prolapse (bulge) out during bowel movements but then retract back inside the rectum on their own.

Stage III: The piles have prolapsed out of the rectum and require manual reduction (pushing back inside). They may cause significant discomfort, itching, and bleeding.

Stage IV: In this stage, the piles have become so large that they cannot be pushed back inside the rectum and remain outside permanently. They can become extremely painful and cause severe itching, bleeding, and even thrombosis (forming a blood clot inside the pile).

It is important to note that the severity of piles can fluctuate, and a person may experience symptoms of different stages at different times. Treatment options for piles will depend on the location and severity of the piles, as well as the overall health of the person. If you are experiencing symptoms of piles, it is important to speak with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Symptoms of Piles

The symptoms of piles, also known as hemorrhoids, can vary depending on the type and severity of the piles. Common symptoms of piles include:

• Bleeding: Piles can cause bright red blood in the stool, toilet paper, or toilet bowl after a bowel movement.
• Itching or discomfort: The rectal area may feel itchy, irritated, or painful.
• Pain or discomfort during bowel movements: Piles can make it difficult or painful to have a bowel movement.
• Prolapse: Piles may bulge out of the anus during bowel movements and then retract inside.
• Swelling or lumps: External piles can be felt as small lumps around the anus.

In some cases, people with piles may not experience any symptoms. However, if you are experiencing any of the above signs or are concerned about your rectal health, it is important to speak with a doctor. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and the best course of treatment for you.

Causes of Piles

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are caused by increased pressure in the veins of the anus and rectum. This increased pressure can cause the veins to become swollen and inflamed, forming piles. Some common causes of increased pressure in the anus and rectum include:

• Constipation: Straining during bowel movements can increase pressure in the veins of the anus and rectum.
• Diarrhea: Frequent, watery bowel movements can also increase pressure in the veins.
• Pregnancy: The increased pressure on the veins in the pelvis caused by a growing uterus can lead to the development of piles.
• Sitting for long periods: Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure in the veins of the anus and rectum.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put additional pressure on the veins of the anus and rectum.
• Family history: Piles can run in families, and a genetic predisposition to develop piles can be inherited.
• Ageing: As the body ages, the tissues supporting the veins in the anus and rectum can weaken, increasing the risk of developing piles.

It is important to note that other factors may contribute to the development of piles and that the specific cause of piles can vary from person to person. If you are concerned about your rectal health or are experiencing symptoms of piles, it is important to speak with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.

How to Prevent Piles: Tips and Strategies

• Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a diet high in fibre can help prevent constipation and reduce the strain on your rectal and anal veins during bowel movements.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help soften your stools and reduce the strain on your rectal and anal veins.
• Regular exercise can help prevent constipation and keep your digestive system functioning properly.
• Avoid prolonged sitting: Prolonged sitting can increase the pressure on your rectal and anal veins. Try to get up and move around regularly, especially if you have a sedentary job.
• Don’t strain during bowel movements: Straining during movements can increase the pressure on your rectal and anal veins, so relax and take your time on the toilet.
• Use a stool softener: If you are prone to constipation, consider using a mild stool softener to help prevent straining during bowel movements.
• Keep the anal area clean: Cleaning the anal area after every bowel movement can help reduce the risk of infection and irritation.

Remember, it is always a good idea to talk to your piles doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of piles or are concerned about your overall digestive health.

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are a common condition characterised by swollen veins in the rectum or anus. Treatment options for piles can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the individual’s health status.

Here are some of the most common Piles Treatment Options:

• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a high-fibre diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly can help to prevent constipation and reduce pressure on the veins in the anus.
• Over-the-counter creams and ointments can relieve itching, burning, and pile pain.
• Sitz bath involves sitting in warm water for 10-15 minutes daily to soothe the affected area.
• Rubber band ligation: This is a simple, non-surgical procedure in which a rubber band is placed around the base of the pile to cut off its blood supply, eventually causing it to fall off.
• Infrared coagulation: This minimally invasive procedure uses infrared light to heat and shrink piles.
• Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution into the pile to shrink it.
• Surgery: Surgical options such as hemorrhoidectomy or stapled hemorrhoidectomy may be recommended if the piles are severe or do not respond to other treatments.

It’s important to consult a piles doctor to determine the best treatment for your situation.

Piles Laser Treatment

Pile laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for treating hemorrhoids (piles). In this procedure, a laser removes the swollen tissue that causes the piles. The laser energy seals the blood vessels, reducing bleeding and pain and promoting healing.

Laser treatment for piles is usually performed outpatient and does not require general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and patients can return to normal activities within a day or two.

This treatment has several advantages, including:

• Minimal bleeding: The laser seals the blood vessels, reducing the risk of excessive bleeding.
• Reduced pain: The laser energy helps to numb the affected area, reducing the amount of pain associated with the procedure.
• Faster healing: The laser treatment promotes healing and reduces the time needed for recovery.
• Minimal scarring: The laser precisely removes the affected tissue, reducing the risk of scarring.

However, like any medical procedure, laser treatment for piles also has potential risks and drawbacks, such as the risk of infection, pain, and recurrence of the condition. Therefore, discussing the procedure’s risks and benefits with a doctor is important before deciding if laser treatment for piles is right for you.

Laparoscopic Surgery For Piles 

Piles laparoscopic treatment, or laparoscopic hemorrhoidectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating hemorrhoids (piles). In this procedure, a small camera (laparoscope) is used to visualise the internal structures of the rectum and anus. The surgeon removes the piles through small incisions in the abdomen using specialised instruments.

This procedure offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:

• Minimal pain: Laparoscopic surgery typically causes less discomfort than open surgery, as the incisions are smaller and the surrounding tissue is not disturbed.
• Faster recovery time: Patients can typically return to normal activities more quickly after laparoscopic surgery than after open surgery.
• Reduced risk of infection: The small incisions used in laparoscopic surgery reduce the risk of disease compared to open surgery.
• Reduced scarring: The small incisions used in laparoscopic surgery result in minimal scarring compared to open surgery.

However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with piles laparoscopic treatment, such as bleeding, infection, and recurrence of the condition. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with a doctor before deciding if piles laparoscopic treatment is right for you.

Home Remedies For Piles Treatment

Several home remedies can help relieve symptoms of piles (hemorrhoids) and promote healing:

• Sitz baths: Sitting in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help to soothe the affected area and reduce swelling.
• Ice packs: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help to reduce pain and swelling.
• Over-the-counter creams: Topical creams containing hydrocortisone can help to relieve itching and inflammation associated with piles.
• Fibre: Eating a high-fibre diet and drinking plenty of water can help to prevent constipation and reduce pressure on the veins in the anus.
• Witch hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can be applied topically to the affected area to help relieve itching and burning.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied topically to the affected area to help soothe the skin and reduce swelling.
• Epsom salt baths: Adding Epsom salt to a sitz bath can help to reduce swelling and promote healing.

It is important to keep in mind that these home remedies for piles can provide relief from symptoms, but they do not cure the underlying condition. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you must consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When To See A Doctor For Piles

It is important to see a piles doctor if you experience symptoms of piles (hemorrhoids), especially if the symptoms persist or worsen over time. Some signs that may indicate the need for medical evaluation include:

• Painful bowel movements
• Bright red blood in the stool
• Persistent itching or discomfort in the anal area
• A lump or swelling near the anus
• Pain or discomfort in the anal area, especially during sitting

In some cases, piles can also lead to more serious complications, such as blood clots, strangulated hemorrhoids, or infection, which may require prompt medical attention.

It is also important to see a piles doctor if you have a family history of piles, as this may increase your risk of developing the condition. Your doctor can advise you on lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and other treatment options that may help relieve your symptoms and prevent more serious complications.

In short, it is best to talk to a doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you have symptoms of piles.

Question To Ask Your Piles Doctor Before Piles Treatment

Before undergoing piles treatment ( hemorrhoids ), it is important to have a thorough discussion with your piles doctor to ensure that you clearly understand the procedure and its potential risks and benefits. Some questions you may want to ask your piles doctor include the following:

• What is the underlying cause of my symptoms?
• What are my piles treatment options, and which do you recommend for my case?
• How effective is the treatment in relieving symptoms and preventing recurrence?
• What is the recovery time, and what kind of follow-up care will I need after the procedure?
• What potential risks and complications are associated with the procedure, and how can they be prevented or managed?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to avoid the development of new or recurrent piles?
• Can I return to normal activities after the procedure, and for how long?
• How much will the procedure cost, and does my insurance cover it?

Ask as many questions as possible to feel informed and comfortable with your piles treatment decision. Your piles doctor can give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your health.