Piles are swollen veins in the rectum and lower anus region. This affliction can lead to localized inflammation and associated health issues. The tissue growth caused by piles leads to significant discomfort and in some cases, pain. Studies reveal that 3 out of 4 adults run the risk of having piles, and the condition has many causes.
Though the causes of piles are varied, there are many effective options available for their treatment. Most individuals who have files get relief through lifestyle changes and home treatments.
Symptoms of Piles: What are They?
Pile symptoms depend on the type of piles you have. Let’s check out the different symptoms/signs:
- Internal Piles
The internal piles are present inside the rectum. You might not feel or see them. The passing of stool can lead to
- Pushing out the piles through the anal opening [protruding or prolapsed piles] can result in irritation and pain.
- Painless bleeding during bowel movements. You will find traces of blood in the toilet or toilet tissue.
- External Piles
The external piles occur beneath the skin around the anus. Some of the piles’ symptoms or signs that you might experience are:
- Irritation or itching in the anal region
- Bleeding
- Swelling around the anus
- Discomfort or Pain
- Thrombosed Piles
When blood pools within an external pile and transform into a clot [Thrombus], it will lead to symptoms like
- Hard Lump near the anus
- Inflammation
- Severe Pain
- Swelling
What are the Risk Factors of Piles?
Some factors can increase the risk of piles. They are:
- Diet: When you eat a low-fiber diet rich in animal protein, it will increase the chances of developing piles.
- Pregnancy: Piles can occur during pregnancy. It is mainly because of the increased pressure on the pelvis, higher incidence of constipation, and high blood pressure.
- Weights: Experts say that being overweight can also increase an individual’s chances of developing piles.
- Age: Piles are common among older adults. Individuals who are above 50 have a greater chance of developing piles.
Piles: The Diagnosis
Even though the piles’ symptoms can help a doctor diagnose the conditions, the physician will undertake a manual examination of the rectum and anal canal to confirm the diagnosis. Here are the diagnosis options for piles:
- Visual Inspection: The internal piles are soft at times and can be felt during the rectal examination. The physician will examine the rectum and colon with a sigmoidoscope, proctoscope, or anoscope.
- Digital Examination: The physician will insert a lubricated and gloved finger into the rectum. She/she feels for anything unusual, like growths.
The Treatment for Piles
To lessen the piles’ symptoms, there are several treatment options available. You can opt for the one that is recommended to you by the doctor. Let’s find out what they are:
- Surgery
Around 10% of the individuals who have piles get them removed surgically. The common surgical procedures are:
- Banding: Under this procedure, the surgeon will place an elastic band around the piles to cut off the blood supply. Within several days, the piles will fall off. This method is ideal for piles that are under the Grade IV level.
- Stapling: The blood flow to the piles gets blocked, and the procedure is not that painful. But it can lead to the recurrence of rectal prolapse or piles.
- Infrared Coagulation: Here, the doctor uses a device to burn the pile’s tissue. It is used for Grade I and II piles.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: It is an effective surgical procedure that eliminates the tissue that causes bleeding. But there is a possibility of risk, including UTIs [Urinary Tract Infections] and difficulty passing stool after surgery.
- Sclerotherapy: In this method, medicines are injected into piles to shrink them. It is an alternative procedure for banding and is used for Grade II and III piles.
- Medications
Piles can also be treated through medications, which include pads, suppositories, and ointments. Besides that, other medications commonly used for treating piles are Lidocaine, Witch Hazel, Steroid Cream, and Zinc Oxide.
- Home Remedies
You can opt for the following home remedies to manage the symptoms of piles:
- Drink 2 liters of water every day
- Consume fiber-rich food products
- Do workouts or exercise every day
- Don’t opt for self-medication
- Do not strain while passing stools
Parting Words
At the onset, the symptoms of piles may be managed by home remedies. However, if the symptoms persist and the condition becomes severe, it is advisable to consult a specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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