Summary about Piles in English
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What is Piles?
Piles or hemorrhoids are characterized by swelling of the blood vessels in the anus or rectum and surrounding tissues' inflammation. Almost half of the patients suffering from piles don’t experience any symptoms and, therefore, remain unaware of the developing disease.
Classified into two types, hemorrhoids may develop inside the rectum (internal piles) and thus remain invisible. If it grows outside of the anus, then it is called prolapsed hemorrhoid.
In severe cases, it may be treated with medication, non-surgical procedures, and surgery under anesthesia.
Causes of piles
Common causes of piles include;
Increased pressure in the rectum with persistent constipation or diarrhea
Holding one’s breath during weight lifting can raise intra-abdominal pressure, causing inflammation in the veins and tissues around the anus leading to the development of hemorrhoids.
Persistent cough and vomiting
Inadequate fiber intake results in sticky stool, which moves slowly through the colon, increasing the risk of developing piles
Symptoms of piles
In many patients, piles can be asymptomatic or symptomatic in others. The latter may include;
Painful, itchy, or inflamed lower anus and rectum
Dripping blood or persistent bleeding after passing the stool
Mucus discharge in stool
Redness and soreness around the anus
A hanging lump from the anus in case of prolapsed hemorrhoids
If left untreated, the pile may lead to the following conditions:
Diagnosis of piles
Piles can be diagnosed with the following techniques:
Digital examination: Doctors insert a gloved finger into the patient’s rectum, after lubricating it with medicine, to feel internal hemorrhoids.
Visual examination: Since internal hemorrhoids are too soft, they sometimes can’t be felt during a rectal examination; thus, doctors visually examine the lower colon and rectum through a proctoscope, anoscope, or sigmoidoscope.
Classification of Hemorrhoids
Depending upon disease severity, hemorrhoids are classified into four types;
First degree: Internal anal swelling, which is invisible from outside
Second degree: Bulging out of the hemorrhoids while passing stool, which reverts after the completion of the process.
Third degree: Hemorrhoids prolapse out and need manual pushback
Fourth degree: Large lump that does not push back after passing the stool. This is a severe condition and needs immediate medical attention.
Treatment of piles
Piles are generally treatable with home remedies, but you must consult a medical specialist in severe cases. Some of the methods used for the treatment of piles are:
Lifestyle changes: Avoiding spicy, fried, or super-sweetening foods, drinking plenty of purified water, not delaying bowel movements, exercising regularly, and following a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, and fibers, may help treat piles.
Medications: Doctors often prescribe medicines, including over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or NSAIDs, corticosteroid creams, steroids or suppositories, and laxatives for piles
Non-surgical treatment: In the growing stages of piles, the doctor follows a banding procedure by placing a band around the hemorrhoid to cuts off its blood supply. Resultantly, the dead tissue falls off after some time.
Sclerotherapy: If non-surgical treatment doesn’t work, doctors stop the lump’s blood supply with injections
Surgery: The last stage of hemorrhoid requires surgery under anesthesia, during which either the hemorrhoids are cut down and removed (hemorrhoidectomy) or their blood supply is interrupted (hemorrhoid stapling)
Risk factors of piles
Risk factors for piles include;
Being overweight and pregnant
Persistent constipation or diarrhea
Heavy weight lifting
Growing age and genetics
An unbalanced diet and less exercise
Prevention of piles
Opting for the following guidelines can help prevent piles and deal with them more effectively:
Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Adequate water intake for smooth bowel movement.
Avoid straining during bowel movements, as it may lead to inflammation.
Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
Refrain from lifting heavy objects or weights frequently.
Avoid a sedentary lifestyle involving constant sitting.
Consult the best doctor for piles in Pakistan to avoid complications. You can also book a video consultation through Marham to discuss your symptoms with the most experienced piles specialist near you.