With more people experiencing the symptoms of piles, it’s important to understand what piles are and the treatments that are available. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs, symptoms, and treatments associated with piles disease so that you can make an informed decision about your health. Read on to learn more about this common condition!
Introduction to Piles Disease
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in your lower rectum and anus. Whether internal or external, they can range in size from the size of a pea to the size of a grape.
Piles are common, affecting up to one in three adults in the United States. They often cause no symptoms but can cause bleeding, pain, and itching.
There are several different types of piles disease, and each has its own set of signs and symptoms. Hemorrhoids inside the body are usually painless, but they can cause bleeding during bowel movements. External hemorrhoids are often painful and can cause itching and burning. Thrombosed hemorrhoids can be very painful and may require surgery to remove the blood clot.
Piles can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter creams or suppositories. In some cases, however, they may require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Piles?
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels in the anal canal. They can be internal, meaning they’re inside the rectum, or external, which means they’re under the skin around the anus. Either way, when they become enlarged, they can bleed and be very painful.
Common signs and symptoms of piles include:
• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Pain or discomfort during bowel movements or while sitting down
• A lump near your anus that may be sensitive or painful (external piles)
• prolapse, which is when piles protrude from the anus (internal piles)
What Causes Piles?
Piles are caused by increased pressure in the veins of your anus and rectum. This can happen when you:
-Strain during bowel movements
-Sit for long periods of time on the toilet
-Have chronic constipation or diarrhea
-Are pregnant
Other contributing factors include a family history of piles, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Diagnosis of Piles
If you think you might have piles, the first step is to visit your GP or local pharmacist for advice.
Piles are usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your GP may also recommend some tests, such as a digital rectal examination (DRE) or anoscopy, to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms (such as anal fissure or anal cancer).
If you’re diagnosed with piles, there are a number of different treatment options available. These include:
– conservative measures, such as increasing your fiber intake and drinking plenty of fluids to reduce constipation (which can make your symptoms worse)
– topical creams and ointments to soothe the area and reduce inflammation
– injections of corticosteroids around the blood vessels in the anus to reduce inflammation
– infrared coagulation, where a device is used to deliver heat to the affected area to shrink the pile(s)
– surgery – this is usually only recommended if other treatments haven’t worked.
Treatment Options for Piles
There are a number of different treatment options for piles, depending on the severity of your condition. If you have mild hemorrhoids, over-the-counter creams and ointments may be all you need to get relief. If your hemorrhoids are more severe, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:
• Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoids to shrink them.
• Rubber band ligation: This procedure involves placing a rubber band around the base of hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. Hemorrhoid then shrinks and falls off in a few days.
• Hemorrhoidectomy: This is surgery to remove the hemorrhoids. It is usually only done for very large hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments.
How to Manage Piles at Home
If you’re dealing with piles, also known as hemorrhoids, there are a few things you can do at home to ease your discomfort. To start, try over-the-counter creams or ointments that contain analgesics like lidocaine or hydrocortisone. You can also take a sitz bath—a warm, shallow bath that cleanses the anal area—several times a day. Just be sure to dry off completely afterward.
To help prevent constipation, which can worsen piles symptoms, eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water throughout the day. You may also want to take a stool softener to make it easier to pass bowel movements. And when you do go to the bathroom, be sure to go slowly and avoid straining.
In addition to these self-care measures, your doctor may also recommend topical medications or minor surgery to remove the hemorrhoids. But in most cases, piles can be managed successfully at home with some simple lifestyle changes.
Complications and Prevention of Piles
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anal canal. They can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. You may be able to relieve the symptoms of piles by making some lifestyle changes. Among them are eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly. You can also try over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments. If these don’t help, you can see your doctor for other treatments.
Complications from piles are rare but can include:
• Anemia: This happens if you lose a lot of blood from hemorrhoids.
• Infection: This is a risk if you have a cut or tear in the skin around your anus.
• Thrombosed hemorrhoid: This is when a blood clot forms in the hemorrhoid. It can cause severe pain and swelling.
You can help prevent piles by eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly. You should also avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time and straining when you have a bowel movement.
Conclusion
Pile disease is a common condition that affects many people. It can be very uncomfortable and lead to several complications if left untreated. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms of piles and reduce discomfort. By understanding what piles disease is, its signs and symptoms, as well as the different treatment options available, you will be better equipped to seek appropriate medical care should you ever experience any of these issues yourself or with loved ones.
