What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also commonly known as piles, are enlarged, swollen veins typically formed in the anus and lower rectum of the body, where the rectum is the final area of the large intestine. The anus is the final region of the digestive tract where stool leaves the body. Hemorrhoids and piles are similar problems. Heavy swelling occurs when the walls are enlarged, stretched, and irritated when passing stool.
If you're wondering what is piles? It refers to the same condition of swollen veins in the rectal area, medically known as haemorrhoids.
Who can get Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can affect anyone irrespective of age. Even teenagers can be affected by Hemorrhoids. Piles disease is not restricted to older adults only. Consult your doctor if you face any of the following conditions :
- Obesity
- Pain during pregnancy
- Diarrhea
- Long time in the toilet
- Irregular bowel movements
What are the types of Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids occur either in or out of the rectum. Hemorrhoid's type depends on the development caused in the swollen veins. Types of Hemorrhoids include:
- External: The anal canal is the way where poop comes out. External hemorrhoids can be irritating and painful. Sometimes they form a blood clot. This is not a threatening condition but may result in pain and swelling. This type often shows the most visible piles symptoms, such as itching or hard lumps.
- Internal: In Internal hemorrhoids, swollen veins occur inside the rectum. Internal hemorrhoids may cause bleeding, but they usually are not as painful as external hemorrhoids. These are often detected during diagnosis when hemorrhoids symptoms are mild or hidden.
- Prolapsed: Prolapsed hemorrhoid is a state in which both internal and external hemorrhoids can prolapse, stretch and bulge outside of the anus. These hemorrhoids also lead to uncontrolled pain and bleeding.
What causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are caused due to strain during stooling which puts high pressure on veins present in the anus and rectum.
Anal and rectal veins become swollen and inflamed during strain, increasing pressure on your belly or lower intestines. Essentially, Hemorrhoids may develop due to:
- Pelvic pressure, especially during pregnancy.
- Pushing hard results in bowel movements because of constipation.
- Weightlifting.
All of the above are frequent piles causes and should be managed early to prevent complications.
What are the symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
Signs of internal hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids rarely cause less pain compared to external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids do not show any symptoms.
If you have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, you might see blood on toilet paper, in the stool, or in the toilet bowl. These are signs of rectal bleeding.
If you have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, you might see blood on toilet paper, in the stool, or in the toilet bowl. These are signs of rectal bleeding, often listed among piles symptoms.
Signs of external hemorrhoids include:
- Itchy anus.
- Hard lumps near the anus that feel sore or tender.
- Pain or ache in the anus, especially when you sit.
- Rectal bleeding.
Piles, medically known as haemorrhoids, are more common than people often think. If it is not treated on time, it can significantly impact your daily life. However, identifying the piles symptoms early and having the right treatment can make a huge difference.
While many individuals are familiar with hemorrhoids symptoms such as rectal bleeding or pain during bowel movements, some patients also deal with less-known signs, such as constant feeling of incomplete evacuation or mucous discharge. These lesser-known signs are often ignored. The piles causes may extend beyond straining during stool. Several factors such as chronic coughing, low-fiber diets, and even standing for long periods at work can contribute to vein swelling in the anal region.
The first step to treat piles is improving bowel habits and dietary fiber intake. In many cases, timely medical intervention is essential. Simple lifestyle changes, paired with the right care, can prevent recurrence.
What are the risk factors involved in Hemorrhoids?
Chances of getting prone to hemorrhoids increase concerning the age of a person. This is because the tissue which supports veins alleviates over some time. This may also happen during pregnancy because of the additional pressure and weight of the baby. Understanding risk factors can help in early prevention of piles disease.
What are the Complications of Hemorrhoids?
Some serious complications of Hemorrhoids include:
- Severe Anemia
- Strangulated pain
- Blood clots in the rectum and anus.
How to prevent Hemorrhoids?
The following suggestions are given to prevent hemorrhoids and reduce future symptoms of piles :
- Eat high-fibre foods. Add a lot of vegetables and fruit to your diet.
- Take recommended fibre supplements. Add fibre-rich fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Drink plenty of high-fibre fruit juices for high body stability.
- Avoid too much strain. Do not overstress your body, especially during stooling. This may produce unwanted pressure on your body.
- Do not delay stool. People sometimes delay stool. Most of them do not realise the threat behind doing this. Delaying to pass stool produces a foul smell in the body and may lead to stomach and intestine problems.
- Exercise regularly. Regular exercise is essential to the body. Most of us desire to keep our bodies healthy and fit but do not show interest in doing exercise. To avoid problems like Hemorrhoids, an individual should be regular in performing exercises.
- Avoid long periods of sitting. People who are diagnosed with Hemorrhoids should abstain from sitting for a long duration.
By following the above-mentioned suggestions, individuals can help prevent the onset of piles symptoms and improve digestive health.
How to diagnose Hemorrhoids?
Your doctor may easily examine external hemorrhoids. But diagnosing internal hemorrhoids includes a complete examination of your rectum and anal canal.
Digital examination: This examination is done by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to see unusual growth in the anal canal.
Visual inspection: This examination is done exclusively for internal hemorrhoids by performing anoscope, proctoscope or sigmoidoscope tests.
Accurate diagnosis is key in determining how to treat piles effectively.
What are the treatments involved in Hemorrhoids?
Home remedies for Hemorrhoids
You can easily relieve hemorrhoids without any pain or swelling by strictly adhering to the following home treatments:
- Eat high-fibre foods. Add fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your daily diet.
- Use Topical treatments. Apply doctor-prescribed hemorrhoid cream to the affected region and gently wash the area with mild hot water after 10 to 15 minutes.
The above home remedies are sufficient to cure hemorrhoid symptoms within a week and are often the first line of treatment for piles disease.
Medications
- Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter creams, ointments, suppositories or pads for mild discomfort caused due to hemorrhoids.
- Avoid using over-the-counter steroid cream as it may have serious side effects for some people.
Surgical procedures
Hemorrhoids require surgery only for people who have severe complications. However, if you are diagnosed with large hemorrhoids, your doctor might recommend any one of the following Hemorrhoids surgeries.
Hemorrhoidectomy
This surgery involves the removal of tissues that cause bleeding. This surgery is performed using local anesthesia combined with spinal anesthesia and sedation.
Hemorrhoid stapling
This procedure, also known as stapled hemorrhoid stapling, blocks blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue. This surgery is exclusively done for internal hemorrhoids. Stapling surgery involves much less pain than hemorrhoidectomy compared to hemorrhoidectomy surgery.
Recognising the symptoms of piles and knowing the available treatment options helps to seek timely medical care.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids or piles are completely curable diseases. If you are very cautious about your diet and health routine, you may not have to worry about hemorrhoids in the future. Even if you are diagnosed with piles, home treatment is sufficient to cure this disorder. If you feel unsatisfied with the home treatment, consult your doctor promptly and they will aid you according to your condition. Whether you call it piles or haemorrhoids, early detection and the correct medical advice make all the difference.
