About Piles Treatment

Piles or hemorrhoids is a common disorder and it can happen to anyone due to lack of physical activity and consumption of low fiber content combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Given that it is one of the oldest problems, there are a lot of methods and treatments to cure Piles or Hemorrhoids. There are cases where patients with piles choose the old treatments or home remedies to get relief from the symptoms and failed. They forget that earlier when natural remedies used to work for conditions, people were not adequately following a sedentary lifestyle.

Piles or Haemorrhoids is a swelling containing enlarged blood vessels and tissues found inside the rectum or under the skin around the anus. Piles is also known as Bawaseer (बवासीर) in Hindi. 

This condition is common in people within the age group of 45-65 years. Depending on the location, haemorrhoids can be either internal, external, or prolapsed. Let’s read about Piles representation by real images, symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and more.

Disease Name	Piles
Alternative Name	Haemorrhoids, Bawaseer (बवासीर)
Symptoms	Pain, Discomfort, Swelling, Itchiness, Redness, Lump formation
Causes	Straining while passing stools, Obesity, Pregnancy, Constipation, Chronic diarrhoea
Diagnosis	Visual inspection, Digital examination, Proctoscopy
Treated by	General surgeon (Proctologist)
Treatment options	Sclerotherapy, Stapler surgery, Laser surgery, Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation

 

What is Piles?

Piles or Haemorrhoids is a collection of blood vessels and tissues in the lower anus or rectum that become swollen and inflamed. This is a very common anorectal condition affecting millions worldwide.

It can develop inside the rectum or under the skin around the anus. Piles is also known as Bawaseer (बवासीर) in Hindi.

 

Piles Types

Piles is classified into three main types based on their location within the rectum and where the swollen vein develops. The types include: 

1. External Piles: These are small lumps that form underneath the skin around the anus. They are very itchy and painful. Usually, bleeding is present in this case.
2. Internal Piles: The lumps develop within the rectum and are usually not visible during an external examination. A small amount of bleeding can be seen during bowel movements. They rarely cause pain or discomfort.
3. Prolapsed Piles: Internal and external piles can prolapse, which means they stretch and bulge outside the anus. These may bleed or cause severe pain. 

Piles Symptoms

In most cases, the piles symptoms are not serious and resolve on their own. You can also see some piles real images to understand piles better. Piles are characterised by one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Painful lumps around the anal region
2. Itching, redness, inflammation and discomfort 
3. Presence of slimy fluid near the anus
4. Bright red coloured blood after passing stools
5. Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying even after passing stool

Piles Causes

 

The exact cause of piles is uncertain. They are associated with increased pressure in the blood vessels and tissues around the anal area, resulting in swelling and inflammation. Some potential causes of Piles can include:

1. Constipation and straining during bowel movements
2. Sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time
3. Obesity
4. Pregnancy and childbirth
5. A diet low in fibre and high in processed foods
6. Anal or rectal infections
7. Chronic diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel disease
8. Genetics and family history
9. Anal intercourse
10. Ageing

Piles Risk Factors

The following are the potential risk factors for piles that might put an individual at a higher chance of developing the disease:

1. Age between 45-65 years (can occur in all age groups; however, it is more common during this period) 
2. Being obese or overweight
3. Doing things that can strain more, such as heavy lifting
4. Sedentary lifestyle 
5. Family history of haemorrhoids
6. Pregnancy

Prevention of Piles

 

There might not be a definitive way to prevent piles. Still, there are measures to reduce the risk of developing piles or worsening the condition. Below mentioned are some of the measures for the prevention of piles:

1. Limit the amount of sitting time on the toilet
2. Manage constipation and prevent straining during bowel movements. 
3. Maintaining a moderate weight
4. Eating a fibre-rich diet
5. Avoiding heavy lifting
6. Staying physically active by doing regular exercise 

 

How is Piles diagnosed?

The healthcare professional will generally be able to diagnose piles based on symptoms and a physical examination. Different types along with piles images, will help you understand it better. The doctor will do a complete physical examination to examine the anal area carefully. They may ask the following questions:

1. Do any close relatives have piles?
2. Has there been any blood or mucus in the stools?
3. Did you recently lose any weight?
4. Has your bowel movements changed recently?
5. Have you seen piles real images?

However, in a few cases, the following additional tests may also be recommended to confirm the presence and severity of the piles.

1. Digital Rectal Exam: The doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for swollen blood vessels.
2. Anoscopy: An anoscope (lighted tube) will be used to view the lining of the anus and rectum. 
3. Sigmoidoscopy: To view the lower part of the colon and rectum, a sigmoidoscope (lighted tube with a camera) is used. This technique includes two types: flexible sigmoidoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy. 
4. Stool Guaiac Test: A stool sample is analyzed to find any traces of blood in it.
5. Colonoscopy: The doctor may want to examine the entire colon by using a colonoscope (long, flexible, lighted tube) to check for any abnormal growths, a tissue that is red or swollen, sores (ulcers), or bleeding

 

How to prepare for the doctor's consultation?

If you are planning to see a doctor for symptoms of piles, there are several steps you can take to prepare for your appointment. It's helpful to keep a record of all the symptoms that you have been facing. Some things that you should keep in mind include: 

1. List down piles symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the condition.
2. The patient must inform the doctor about key personal information, including dietary habits and typical bowel movements.
3. The doctor must be informed about all the medications, vitamins or supplements that they take.
4. The following questions should be asked the doctor:
   1. What's the likely cause of the condition?
   2. Is this condition likely to be temporary or permanent?
   3. Will there be any complications related to this condition?
   4. What treatment approach do you recommend?
   5. If the first line of treatments doesn't work, which treatment would work?
   6. Am I a candidate for surgery? Why or why not?
   7. Are there additional self-care steps that might help?
   8. I have other medical problems. How can I manage these along with haemorrhoids?
   9. Can I see some piles real images?
   10. Can you explain Piles meaning to me?

 

Piles Treatment

In most cases, piles resolve on their own without needing any treatment. However, if an individual has piles for an extended period, the lumps may grow in size, and the piles symptoms may also worsen, leading to significant pain, discomfort and reduced quality of life.

In that case, the proctologist may suggest one of the following methods for piles treatment: 

Home Remedies for Piles

While there are various medical treatments for piles, there are also several home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms. Some common remedies for piles include: 

• Sitz bath: Sitting in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes can help alleviate pain and itching caused by piles.
• Fibre intake: Eating a diet high in fibre helps prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements, which can aggravate piles. Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, which are compounds found in fruits and vegetables such as blackberries, cherries, and red grapes, reduce inflammation and improve circulation, reducing the risk of developing piles.
• Vitamin C-rich foods: Foods that are high in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, strengthen blood vessels.
• Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the anus reduces swelling and alleviates pain.
• Aloe vera: This gel lessens pain, itching, and inflammation.
• Witch hazel: Applying witch hazel prevents pain and bleeding.
• Over-the-counter creams and ointments: Topical treatments, such as hydrocortisone cream, can reduce swelling. 

Ayurvedic Treatment for Piles

Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating from India, offers a range of natural remedies and treatments for piles. Some common Ayurvedic treatments for piles include:

1. Triphala Powder:
   1. This powder can help alleviate symptoms of piles (haemorrhoids) by improving digestion and reducing constipation.
   2. Triphala is a blend of three fruits - amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki. It is often taken in powder form mixed with water or as a supplement in capsule form. To learn more, read about the Benefits of Triphala powder for Piles in Hindi
2. Kshar Sutra:
   1. Kshar Sutra is an Ayurvedic treatment for piles (haemorrhoids) that involves the use of a medicated thread. The thread is inserted into the rectum near the piles and is said to cause the piles to dry up and fall off over time.
   2. The Kshar Sutra treatment is performed by a trained practitioner and is usually done on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.

Lifestyle Changes for Piles

Making certain lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage symptoms of piles. Some of the lifestyle modifications that can help with piles include:

1. Exercise: Regular exercise can help prevent constipation and improve overall bowel function.
2. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Prolonged sitting or standing can increase pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, which can aggravate piles.
3. Avoid spicy foods and caffeine: These can cause inflammation and exacerbate symptoms.
4. Practice good hygiene: Keep the anal area clean and dry to prevent infection.
5. Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation and keep stools soft.
6. Avoid straining during bowel movements: Straining while passing stool can put pressure on the anus and lower rectum veins. 
7. Avoid heavy lifting: Heavy weight lifting can increase the pressure in the anorectal region and lead to swelling of blood vessels, posing a risk for piles.
8. Using Indian Commode: A squatting toilet may help alleviate symptoms of piles (haemorrhoids) in some individuals. The squatting position improves bowel movements by relaxing the anal muscles, which helps prevent straining and constipation.

Medications for Piles

There are several medications available to help relieve piles symptoms. Over-the-counter oral medications, creams and ointments are some of the treatments used for piles. Depending on the severity of haemorrhoids, the proctologist would prescribe the following:

1. Pain reliever medications such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen can temporarily help relieve the discomfort.
2. Stool Softeners help relieve constipation.
3. Over-the-counter topical haemorrhoid creams or suppositories containing hydrocortisone, or use pads containing witch hazel or a numbing agent.

Piles Treatment without Surgery

If haemorrhoids do not improve by home remedies and prescription medicines, then the following non-surgical treatment methods for piles can be considered:

1. Rubber band ligation: In this procedure, the surgeon places a rubber band around the haemorrhoids. This causes haemorrhoid necrosis (tissue death), and they drop off.
2. Sclerotherapy: The surgeon injects a liquid called a sclerosant into the haemorrhoids, which decreases the blood supply and causes the haemorrhoids to shrink. 
3. Electrotherapy: An electrical current is applied to the piles, causing them to shrink and eventually fall off.
4. Infrared coagulation: This method works similarly to that of sclerotherapy. Instead of a liquid, infrared light is used to shrink the haemorrhoids.

 

Piles Treatment with Surgery

Surgical treatment of haemorrhoids is recommended if any of the therapies mentioned above do not work. The various surgical treatment methods for haemorrhoids include:

1. Haemorrhoidectomy: It is done to remove the prolapsed internal or large external haemorrhoids. 
2. Stapled haemorrhoidopexy: A stapling instrument to pull prolapsed internal haemorrhoids back inside your anus or remove an internal haemorrhoid. 
3. Haemorrhoidal artery ligation: This is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat piles. During the procedure, the blood supply to the piles is ligated, or tied off, which causes the piles to shrink and eventually fall off.
4. Laser surgery for piles: The surgeon cuts the blood supply to the haemorrhoids using a laser. Cutting the blood supply causes the haemorrhoids to shrink.
    

Refer to the page recovery rates for piles to know more about the recovery rate after a patient has undergone the above-mentioned piles treatment methods.

Risks and Complications of Piles

 

Piles can be uncomfortable and painful if piles are not treated in time, but they don’t tend to cause serious problems.The risks and complications of piles include:

1. Blood clots in the swollen vein
2. Bleeding
3. Iron deficiency anaemia is caused by blood loss
4. Infection of an external haemorrhoid
5. Skin tags, or excess skin when an external haemorrhoid goes away
6. Development of strangulated haemorrhoids (muscles in the anus cut off blood flow to a prolapsed internal haemorrhoid)

When to see a doctor?

In some cases, the symptoms of piles can be mistaken for those of other conditions, such as anal fissures or colorectal cancer. A doctor can perform a physical examination and possibly other tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. You can contact the doctor if you have the following complications: 

1. Haemorrhoids do not improve after a week
2. Severe pain
3. Bleeding during bowel movement
4. Itching
5. Inflammation and swelling

Searching for piles images online can provide visual aids for understanding the condition, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Diet for Piles
 

The dietary habits of an individual play an important role in developing any disease condition. Staying hydrated and eating a diet rich in minerals and vitamins will help reduce the risk of developing any disease condition.

Below mentioned are some dietary measures for individuals with piles:

1. Consuming foods that are high in dietary fibre, such as wheat, brown rice, oatmeal, bran, etc., can help keep stools soft and make their passing easier.
2. Including fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet.
3. Drinking plenty of water prevents constipation, decreasing the need to strain while passing a bowel movement.
4. Avoid caffeine (found in coffee and cola) and tea intake.
5. Avoid alcohol consumption.