Piles or haemorrhoids- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

In this article:

External versus internal | What Causes Piles or Hemorrhoids? |Symptoms of piles | Factors at Risk | Prevention | Surgical techniques | Diagnosis  Piles | Seek Medical Attention | Complications | Treatment for Piles | Summary | FAQ

Overview

Almost 50% of people over the age of 50 are affected by piles or haemorrhoids. We will discuss here everything about piles and their causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention. 

                   Piles or haemorrhoids

Armin Kübelbeck, CC-BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons

Haemorrhoids or piles are an inflammation of the blood vessels within the walls of the anus and rectum. These blood arteries act as faeces' shock absorbers throughout the body. 

Haemorrhoids are one of the main causes of rectal bleeding because of this. They can also be referred to as piles. 

Swollen veins in the lower anus and rectum are haemorrhoids. Another tissue's localised inflammation may be brought on by this swelling.

Although many people develop piles, the signs are not usually immediately apparent. At least 50% of Americans over the age of 50 who have haemorrhoids experience obvious symptoms.

Piles or Haemorrhoids 

This article enables you to understand everything about Piles or Haemorrhoids with causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention etc... 

What are piles?

Piles are brought on by swollen lower anus and rectum veins. It can be exceedingly unpleasant if they lead to tissue growths in the anus and its surroundings. Both the size and the location of these growths might differ.

External versus internal

 

Internal piles form in the rectum and are frequently imperceptible to the unaided eye. However, the anus may infrequently form and grow an external pile. 

A prolapsed haemorrhoid is the medical word for this condition.

Medical professionals assign internal piles a four-point rating.

• Grade I: The tumour does not protrude from the anus and does not cause any symptoms.
• Grade II: The pile's prolapse from the anus but do so independently.
• Grade III: Third-grade piles prolapse, and With physical assistance, the anus can only recede.
• Grade IV: Because the pile's prolapses outside the anus, it is impossible to pull them back inside.

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External piles appear as small lumps at the anus' outside edge. They itch a lot, and if a blood clot forms, it can be unpleasant because it can impede the flow of blood.  External piles that have thrombosed or clotted haemorrhoids need to be treated by a doctor very away.

What Causes Piles or Hemorrhoids?

There are numerous factors that lead to piles. These factors cause the blood vessels supplying the anus and rectum to expand when the pressure inside the vessels rises.

• Having firm or watery bowel motions (stools)
• Fibre-poor diet
• Portal hypertension: It is a disorder affecting the liver that increases blood pressure in the veins supplying the anus and rectum, and Ascites of liquid in the stomach) (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen). 
• Family background
• Persistent diarrhoea
• Physical effort required to lift large goods
• Colon cancer
• Unhealthy weight gain
• Vomiting, sneezing, and a persistent cough (prolonged)
• Prolonged squatting while going potty
• Anal Relations

Symptoms of piles

The development of symptoms might be brought on by bleeding, vascular hypertrophy, or blood vessel sliding outside the anus. If you have piles, you could encounter any of the following signs:

discomfort that gets worse when stooping or sitting from the anus bleeding

soft, swollen arteries extending through the anus

surrounding the anal entrance itching

Occasionally, a clot might form in the protruding blood vessels, which can be excruciatingly painful.

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You should consult a doctor for guidance if any of the aforementioned symptoms are present. The severe blood loss and lightheadedness that result from a ruptured (torn) pile can be devastating.

Typically, we can recognise them when we see blood on a toilet.

Paper-like or purple/pink bumps can be seen on the anus' edge or protruding from it.

Factors at Risk for Haemorrhoids

The following are pile development risk factors:

• Continual constipation
• Spending a lot of time sitting
• Ardent straining
• Persistent diarrhoea
• Stomach cancer
• Alcoholic liver ailments (causing portal hypertension and ascites)
• Lifting large, hefty items
• Bad posture (lack of erect posture)
• Piles run in families
• Higher than normal anal resting pressure
• Tone loss in the rectus muscle (muscle in the rectum)
• Episiotomy (It is a surgical incision done for the baby to pass through the birth canal without any issues during delivery by an obstetrician (It is a surgical incision done infant to deliver naturally and without any problems through the birth canal)
• Anal Relations
• Ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Operations on the rectum and anal canal.

Risk Elements

As you age, haemorrhoids are more likely to develop. This is because the tissues supporting your rectum and anus veins could weaken and stretch. 

This can also happen when you're pregnant since the baby's weight puts pressure on the anal area.

Haemorrhoids can cause a few unusual complications, although they can also result from:

Anaemia: 

Rarely, haemorrhoids can lead to anaemia, which is a condition in which your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to your cells.

Haemorrhage that is strangulated: 

Internal haemorrhoids may become "strangulated," which can be extremely painful if their blood supply is cut off.

A clump of blood: 

A clot may occasionally develop in a haemorrhoid (thrombosed haemorrhoid). Despite not being harmful, it can be incredibly uncomfortable and occasionally needs to be pricked, and then emptied.

Prevention

Your best defence against haemorrhoids is to keep your faeces soft so they can pass freely. 

To prevent haemorrhoids and decrease their symptoms, heed the following advice:

 Consume fibre-rich meals: 

• Eat more whole grains, fruits, and veggies.  

By doing this, the stool will soften and thicken, avoiding straining that could lead to haemorrhoids. 

Gradually increase your dietary fibre intake to prevent gas problems. 

• Drink a lot of water. 

Drink six to eight glasses of water each day in addition to other beverages to keep your stools smooth (avoid alcohol).

 Suggestions for fibre supplements 

The majority of people do not consume the 20 to 30 grammes of fibre per day that are advised. 

Over-the-counter fibre supplements like psyllium, according to studies (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel), reduce hemorrhoidal bleeding and overall symptoms.

If you take fibre supplements, drink at least eight glasses of water or other liquids daily. 

If not, the supplements may worsen your constipation or cause it together.

Prevent Strain. 

When you hold your breath and strain to pass a stool, the pressure in the lower rectum's veins rises.

As soon as you feel like leaving, do so. If you wait until the urge passes to have a bowel movement, your faeces may dry out and get harder to pass.

Exercise. 

Constipation can be avoided and the pressure that extended standing or sitting can put on veins can be lessened by staying active. 

Exercise might help you lose additional weight that can be contributing to your haemorrhoids.

Keep your sitting time to a minimum. 

Sitting for extended periods of time, particularly when using the restroom, may put extra stress on the anus veins.

What surgical techniques are applied to the treatment of piles?

Haemorrhoidectomy (The conventional procedure) (the traditional operation)

for grade 3 or grade 4 piles, surgery to remove the haemorrhoids is an option if banding or other therapies don't work. 

The operation is often successful when performed under general anaesthesia. The days immediately following the procedure, however, could be extremely unpleasant.

A Hemorrhoidectomy using staples

A circular stapler is used to remove a circle-shaped section of the anal canal's lining above the piles. The piles are consequently compelled to return up the back way. 

It also results in a reduction in blood flow to the piles, which makes them constrict. Due to the fact that the cutting occurs above the piles, it is often a less painful procedure than the standard operation to remove them.

The hemorrhoidal artery is tethered.

The little arteries that supply the piles with blood are tied up (ligated). As a result, the haemorrhoid (s) contract.

Pile Prevention

The actions listed below can prevent piles from forming and minimise their severity:

1. Consuming a diet high in fibre which includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and vegetables and legumes (such as green peas, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts) (oatmeal, barley, brown rice). The recommended daily intake of fibre ranges from 20 to 38 grammes for both men and women.
2. Eating adequate fluids (6 to 8 glasses of water per day).
3. Forming wholesome bowel routines, such as visiting the toilet as soon as the urge to urinate strikes.
4. Exercise programmes and weight reduction (haemorrhoids causing Constipation can be prevented by staying active and maintaining proper BMI).
5. Avoid straining while passing stools:
6. Avoid sitting or squatting for prolonged periods of time, especially on the toilet (the knees and hips are bent while the weight of the body falls on the feet).
7. Supplemental fibres including psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, and methylcellulose can be used to increase the body's consumption of fibre.

In order to pass stools more easily and with less effort, stool softeners may occasionally be utilised.

Diagnosis  Piles

In addition to asking about the patient's symptoms and medical history, doctors also perform a physical exam to determine the patient's condition.

The anal region is checked for protruding piles through the anal orifice during the physical examination. 

The rectus is also examined. The patient is made to lie on his left side with his knees folded up against his chest for the inspection of the rectum. 

The doctor checks the walls of the anus and rectum for swellings and other anomalies by inserting a gloved finger through the anal entrance. 

Typically, a visual examination of the anal region and a digital rectal examination can also diagnose piles.

The rectum and anus should be further visualised in order to rule out conditions other than piles as the cause.

An anoscopy or proctosigmoidoscopy is carried out in the event of rectal bleeding. In this procedure, the surgeon inserts a tube into the rectum through the anus to do a visual inspection.

Blood tests for haemoglobin, complete blood counts, blood coagulation studies, and liver function are further carried out.

Following a barium enema, which involves injecting barium sulphate, a radiocontrast fluid, into the rectum from the anus, an entire colon is visualised using a barium X-ray.

When to seek Medical Attention

If you notice blood when you urinate or if your haemorrhoids don't go away after a week of home treatment, see a doctor.

You shouldn't immediately assume that your condition is worse if your bowel habits change or if the colour or consistency of your faeces changes. 

Haemorrhoids are the cause of rectal bleeding. Rectal haemorrhage can also be brought on by other conditions like colorectal cancer and anal cancer.

You should get emergency medical help if you develop excessive rectal bleeding, fainting, wooziness, or lightheadedness.

Complications

Haemorrhoids can come from a number of uncommon issues, however, they can also be caused by:

• Anaemia: Anaemia, a condition in which your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to transfer oxygen to your cells, can very rarely be brought on by haemorrhoids.
• Bleeding that has been Strangulated: If the blood flow to an internal haemorrhoid is interrupted, it may become "strangulated," which can be quite painful.
• Bloody clump: Sometimes a clot can form in a haemorrhoid (thrombosed haemorrhoid). Although it can be extremely unpleasant and occasionally needs to be, it is not hazardous.

Treatment for Piles

The majority of the time, piles go away without any form of treatment. However, a number of treatments can significantly alleviate the discomfort and agony that many piles sufferers experience.

Changes in lifestyle

We will initially recommend some lifestyle changes to control piles.

Diet

A change in diet can keep your stools soft and regular. This calls for consuming more fibre-rich meals, especially fruits and vegetables and bran-fortified breakfast cereals.

body weight

It's possible that decreasing weight will make piles less likely and less severe. Exercise is one of the key therapies for piles.

Haemorrhoids Home Remedies

The indications and symptoms of haemorrhoids may be lessened with the use of the at-home treatments listed below:

• Topical lotions and ointments: Creams sold over-the-counter (OTC) for external haemorrhoids might help lessen swelling, itching, and irritation.
• Fibre supplements:  can ease constipation and help with haemorrhoids. Examples include psyllium and methylcellulose (Citrucel) (Metamucil).
• Pain may be lessened by applying ice packs and cold compresses to the damaged area.
• Take a warm sitz bath while sitting in a small tub of water. Haemorrhoid pain may be lessened by one taken multiple times each day.
• Analgesics: pain relievers including ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can help lessen the discomfort linked to haemorrhoids.

Summary

According to a credible source, haemorrhoids affect 50% of people over the age of 50. Even though symptoms may ache, they typically get better after using home treatments for a few days. 

Altering one's lifestyle may also help prevent haemorrhoids. You can now understand heaps after reading this text. We hope you now understand Better all about piles or haemorrhoids. 

If complications develop or haemorrhoid symptoms persist after a week, a person could need medical attention. 

One should contact a doctor if certain symptoms emerge, especially if there is severe bleeding, excruciating pain, or fever. These might be signs of various diseases.

FAQ

Q1. What is the main cause of piles?

Ans:

 Increased pressure in the lower rectum brought on by: 

Straining during bowel movements, might result in haemorrhoids. 

Sitting on the toilet for extended lengths of time. 

Experiencing persistent diarrhoea or constipation.

Q2. What are the starting symptoms of piles? 

Ans:

• A mass in or near the anus.
• bleeding while going to the bathroom.
• leaking faeces or an anus discharge of slimy mucus.
• constipation-like sensation
• Anus-related skin irritation or itchiness is felt there.
• Feeling of discomfort and agony following a bowel movement is a sign of external piles.

Q3. What is the best treatment for piles and haemorrhoids?

Ans:

• To keep your poop soft, consume plenty of fluid and fibre.
• Use some wet toilet paper to clean your bottom.
• If your piles hurt, try paracetamol.
• To relieve discomfort and itching, take a warm bath.
• To relieve pain, apply an ice pack covered with a towel.
• A pile should be carefully pushed within.
• Keep your bottom dry and spotless.
• Regular exercise

Q4. Which food causes piles?

Ans: 

• cheese. 
• rapid food.
• Icy dessert.
• meat.
• foods that have been prepared, such as some frozen and snack foods.
• processed foods, including several microwaveable dinners and hot dogs.

Q5. Which fruits cure piles?

Ans: 

• Apples. Due to the presence of pectin, a soluble fibre, apples are the ideal food to consume during piles. 

• Prunes have cellulose in them, which makes the stool more watery. 

• Kiwi. Actinidin, which is found in kiwis, helps with bowel movements and intestinal health. 

• pears

• bananas, and 

• Raspberries.

Q6. How can I stop piles permanently?

Ans:  Currently, laser surgery is thought to be the most practical and efficient approach to treating piles in just three days. The afflicted area is simply treated with laser radiation in a precise and focused manner during a daycare operation, and the issue is resolved in a matter of minutes.

Q7. What exercises can cure piles?

Ans: Hemorrhoids prevention and treatment exercises:

• Sit or lie on your back.
• As though you were trying to stop yourself from passing gas, tighten your anal muscles.
• For five seconds, maintain this contraction.
• Take 10 seconds to unwind.
• 5. Repetition.
• Repeat, but only with half as much force.
• As quickly as possible, contract and release the muscles.

Q8. Can Walking reduce piles?

Ans:  The treatment for piles can involve brisk daily exercise for 20 to 30 minutes. One of the simplest methods, it should be used frequently. The best workout to maintain your blood moving through your body is walking. You'll have relief from piles if you practise it frequently.

Q9. Can piles be cured without surgery?

Ans:  Without surgery, piles can be totally healed. Hemorrhoids can be entirely cured using a variety of non-surgical therapy options:

• Ksharsutra 
• Kshara karma
• Laser Therapy
• Rubber-Band Ligation Banding for internal hemorrhoids
• In-depth Seton(nylone or Silk thread) Therapy

Q10. Is banana good piles?

Ans: Daily banana consumption not only helps your digestion, but it also has astonishing results in the treatment of piles. Banana sugars are packed with antibacterial properties that can treat the affected area by eradicating bacterial development.

Q11. Can piles burst?

Ans: When the internal pressure builds up, a blood clot that has formed inside the haemorrhoids may become thrombosed and eventually break (during the excessive straining from either constipation or diarrhea).