How to Treat Piles Without Surgery?

Treating Piles Without Surgery: Effective Remedies & Solutions

Piles are common among older people, particularly those aged 40 and above. This condition can be easily diagnosed with symptoms such as painless bleeding while passing stool, itching around the rectal area, swelling near the anus that is painful when you sit, and the feeling of incomplete defecation.

To help you manage this condition effectively, we've curated a comprehensive list of non-surgical treatments and home remedies.

Keep reading to explore your options and take the first step to feeling better!

What are The Treatments For Piles?

Like any condition, the treatment for piles depends on its severity. Changes to the diet and lifestyle can help in the initial stages. They include:

• Eating a high-fiber diet
• Being active physically
• Not straining during bowel movements
• Drinking 3-4 litres of water and staying hydrated

There are also several over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and ointments which are readily available at any drugstore. However, if symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

What are the Home Remedies For Piles?

There are numerous options to consider for home remedies for piles. The list includes:

• Warm Sitz Baths: This is a healing bath for your bum. You can use a shallow tub filled with warm water and sit in it for 15-20 minutes. It will help clean and relax your perineum and provide relief from itching and pain.
• Cold Compress: A cold compress over the affected area, i.e., the anus, can help in reducing the pain associated with piles. You can wrap some ice cubes in a cloth and gently press around the rectal area.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and has anti-inflammatory properties. Applying coconut oil to the affected area with a cotton dab before your bowel movement and during bedtime can help reduce the pain.
• Aloe Vera Gel: The itching and burning from piles can be relieved by applying aloe vera gel to the affected rectal area.
• Witch Hazel: Known for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, witch hazel is a flowering plant whose bark is used to make medicine and medicinal oils. As a popular home remedy for haemorrhoids, witch hazel is available in wet wipes and a distilled solution.

What are the Over-the-Counter Treatments Available for Piles?

There are several over-the-counter treatments available for piles, such as:

• Creams and Ointments: Creams and ointments work as an itching reliever, a mild numbing agent, and a bleeding controller. Such creams contain hydrocortisone, lidocaine, and witch hazel distillate. Some popular over-the-counter creams are:

1. Himalaya Pilex Ointment
2. Shield Rectal Ointment
3. Anusol Hemorrhoids Treatment Cream

• Suppositories: They are medications that you insert into your rectum. These are usually cone/oval-shaped and are used to reduce inflammation and discomfort, making bowel movements easier.

• Pain-relieving Drugs: Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, easily available at any drug store, can be consumed during excessive pain.

Ayurvedic remedies such as Isabgol can also be considered to soften the stool for easy passage.

When to Consult a Doctor for Piles?

Most doctors say piles go away on their own after two or three days or a week. This is usually the case when the symptoms are mild. However, the severity of the condition may cause severe abdominal pain, heavy rectal bleeding, fever, and a lump on your anus that wouldn’t go away.

Furthermore, symptoms common to piles can be associated with other severe conditions such as rectal or colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or fistula.

Thus, if your pile's symptoms persist, it is crucial to consult with a doctor.

Do Insurance Companies Cover Treatment For Piles?

Yes, most health insurance providers cover the cost of piles treatment. This includes charges for outpatient visits, follow-up appointments, and invasive tests such as colonoscopies.

Star Health, for instance, provides coverage for piles under its Young Star Insurance Policy, offering comprehensive coverage, cashless treatment in 14,000+ network hospitals, telemedicine services, and more.  

However, coverage for piles will begin only after the completion of a 12-month waiting period. Thus, when buying your policy, check the terms and conditions to avoid claim rejections.

Overall, implementing lifestyle changes along with home remedies is the best way to deal with piles without surgery. But if symptoms persist, consult with a doctor at the earliest.  

Also Read:

→ What is the Procedure for Piles Laser Treatment

→ Best treatment creams for relieving piles

→ What Kind of Food Helps in Piles Treatment