Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, is a condition associated with the swelling and inflammation of blood vessels and tissue in the anal region, either inside (internal) or outside (external) the anus. They often go unnoticed and typically clear up after a few days, but can cause long-term discomfort, pain, itching, and bleeding.
There are several risk factors associated with haemorrhoids, such as straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, a low-fiber diet, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged sitting or standing.
Common symptoms include bright red bleeding after a bowel movement, pain or discomfort, itchy anus, fecal incontinence, mucus discharge after bowel movement, or a lump extending out from the anus which may need to be pushed back in after passing a stool.
Medical treatment is usually sought if the hemorrhoids become painful or large, or if rectal bleeding becomes heavy or prolonged. Treatment can include over-the-counter creams, ointments, pads, or suppositories, rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or in severe cases, surgery may be required. It is highly recommended to consult a healthcare provider for an effective treatment plan.
Causes of Haemorrhoids (piles)
Hemorrhoids, also commonly known as piles, are swollen veins in your lower rectum and anus, similar to varicose veins. They can be caused due to multiple reasons:
1. Straining during bowel movements: Persistent straining or effort to pass stool can cause the veins in the lower rectum to swell.
2. Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea: Regular or prolonged issues with constipation or diarrhea may lead to the development of hemorrhoids.
3. Age: As people age, their risk of developing hemorrhoids increases. This is because the tissues supporting the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken and stretch with aging.
4. Obesity: Excessive weight can increase abdominal pressure, causing the veins in the rectum and anus to swell.
5. Pregnancy: Increased pressure on the abdomen due to pregnancy can also lead to the development of hemorrhoids. It’s particularly common in the later stages of pregnancy or during the labor process.
6. Low-fiber Diet: A diet low in fiber can lead to harder stools that require more strain to pass, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids.
7. Regular Heavy Lifting: Regularly lifting heavy weights can increase the pressure on the veins in the lower rectum and anus, leading to haemorrhoids.
8. Prolonged sitting: Sitting for long periods of time, especially on the toilet, can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.
It’s also important to note that while these are common factors, not everyone that has these risk factors gets hemorrhoids. Equally, you can get hemorrhoids even if you do not have any risk factors.
Risk Factors of Haemorrhoids (piles)
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and rectum. Several factors can increase your risk:
1. Age: The risk of haemorrhoids increases with age. This is because the tissues that support the veins in your rectum and anus can weaken and stretch with aging.
2. Chronic Constipation or Diarrhoea: These conditions can lead to excessive straining during bowel movement, increasing your risk of hemorrhoids.
3. Pregnancy: Increased pressure in the lower abdomen from growing uterus can cause haemorrhoids. Also, hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to the enlargement of hemorrhoidal vessels.
4. Obesity: Excess weight, especially in the abdomen and pelvis, can increase pressure on pelvic and rectal veins.
5. Low-Fiber Diet: A diet low in fiber can cause constipation leading to straining during bowel movements, which increases the risk of developing haemorrhoids.
6. Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Remaining in seated or standing position for prolonged periods can increase pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, contributing to the condition.
7. Heavy Lifting: Regular heavy lifting can increase your risk, especially if you hold your breath while lifting heavy objects.
8. Genetic Factors: Some people may inherit a tendency to develop haemorrhoids.
9. Anal intercourse: Some but not all studies have associated it with an increased risk of haemorrhoids.
10. Liver disease: This can lead to increased pressure in the veins of your lower rectum, which can cause piles to develop.
Remember, while these are known risk factors, they do not guarantee the development of haemorrhoids. Instead, they merely increase the likelihood. It’s essential to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to mitigate these risks. But if you suspect you might have haemorrhoids, you should consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Haemorrhoids (piles)
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels in or around the rectum and anus, and they can have a number of different signs and symptoms. Here are some of the most common:
1. Bleeding: This is perhaps the most common sign of haemorrhoids. A person with this condition might notice bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement.
2. Pain or Discomfort: This may be felt while passing stools or even while sitting. The discomfort can range from mild to severe.
3. Itching: This is a common symptom of external haemorrhoids and is due to the irritation of skin around the anal region.
4. Swelling: A person with haemorrhoids may also feel a hard, painful swelling around the anus. This is actually a swollen blood vessel.
5. Lump near Anus: A severe case of piles can result in a painful lump protruding from the anus, which can be felt with hand.
6. Mucus discharge or leakage: This can occur after a bowel movement.
Please remember, symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and just because you have one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have haemorrhoids. It’s important to get any rectal bleeding checked out by a healthcare provider to ensure it is not a symptom of a more serious condition.
Diagnosis Haemorrhoids (piles)
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings that develop in and around the anus and the lower rectum. These swellings occur as a result of enlarged blood vessels located in the lower part of the colon and the anus, similar to varicose veins.
Haemorrhoids can come in different sizes and can be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum and might not be visible or felt. They can, however, cause discomfort or bleeding during bowel movements. External hemorrhoids can be seen or felt around the outside of the anus and can form clots that cause significant pain and swelling.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids, including age, constipation or chronic diarrhea, heavy lifting, pregnancy, straining during bowel movements, and a diet low in fiber.
Common symptoms may include pain or discomfort, itching in your anal region, swelling around your anus, bleeding during bowel movements, and a lump near your anus, which may be sensitive or painful.
Diagnosis of haemorrhoids usually involves a medical examination to check for visible external haemorrhoids and an internal examination, possibly using a proctoscope, to check for internal haemorrhoids.
Treatment can often be done at home and includes eating a high-fiber diet, taking over-the-counter treatments, taking regular sitz baths, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. If home treatments are ineffective, medical procedures or surgery may be necessary. As always, anyone with these symptoms should consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.
Treatment of Haemorrhoids (piles)
Treating haemorrhoids or piles usually involves relieving the symptoms and modifying diet and bowel habits to prevent future episodes. Here are some of the general treatment methods:
1. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes: These are usually the first steps in treating haemorrhoids, aiming at softening stool and increasing its bulk, avoiding straining, and spending less time attempting to defecate. This might involve:
Eating high-fiber foods: Dietary fiber helps create bulkier stools, which reduces straining. Foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains are excellent sources of fiber.
Stay hydrated: Drink six to eight glasses of water and other liquids (not including alcohol) each day to help keep stools soft.
Regular physical activity: Physical activity can help prevent constipation, reduce pressure on the veins, and help lose excess weight.
2. Medications: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can alleviate the discomfort and itching associated with haemorrhoids. These include creams, ointments, suppositories or pads. Most of these products contain ingredients, such as witch hazel, or hydrocortisone and lidocaine, which can relieve pain and itching.
3. Non-surgical procedures: If at-home treatments do not work, several minor procedures are available:
Rubber band ligation: This involves placing a couple of small rubber bands around the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off its circulation. The haemorrhoid will then shrink and die within a few days.
Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the blood vessel to shrink the haemorrhoid.
Infrared, laser, or bipolar coagulation: These techniques use heat to destroy haemorrhoidal tissue.
4. Surgical procedures: If other treatments don’t work or if the haemorrhoid is very large, your doctor may suggest:
Hemorrhoidectomy: The excess tissue that is causing the bleeding is surgically removed. This can be done in various ways and may involve a local anesthetic and a brief hospital stay.
Hemorrhoid stapling: This is a less painful procedure where a surgical staple is used to block the blood flow to the haemorrhoidal tissue.
While these treatments can help manage symptoms, remember it’s equally important to address the causes of hemorrhoids such as maintaining good anal hygiene, having a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoid straining during bowel movements.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment plan.
Medications commonly used for Haemorrhoids (piles)
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum and anus, similar to varicose veins. There are several types of medications commonly used to treat this condition:
1. Over-The-Counter (OTC) Topical Treatments: Many people with haemorrhoids find relief by using OTC topical medications available at the pharmacy. This can include creams, ointments, suppositories, and wipes. These typically contain ingredients like hydrocortisone, witch hazel or lidocaine to help relieve symptoms such as swelling, pain and itching.
2. Pain Relievers: Non-prescription oral pain relievers like acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen can be used to help with pain management.
3. Stool Softeners: Constipation often accompanies haemorrhoids, and straining to pass hard stools can exacerbate the condition. A doctor might recommend a stool softener or a fiber supplement.
4. Prescription medications: If OTC treatments aren’t enough, a doctor may prescribe stronger topical medications. These could include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain, or anaesthetics to numb the area.
5. Phlebotonics: These drugs, including flavonoids like diosmin and oxerutin, are thought to improve venous tone, which might help piles shrink.
6. Laxatives: In some cases, your doctor might prescribe these if you’re constipated.
It’s important to remember to use these medications as directed by your doctor or according to the package instructions.
Prevention of Haemorrhoids (piles)
Preventing hemorrhoids (piles) often involves lifestyle modifications and changes in dietary habits. Here are several steps that you can take to prevent it:
1. High-Fiber Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fiber can help to prevent hemorrhoids. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses can soften the stool and increase its bulk, which will help to avoid the straining that can cause hemorrhoids.
2. Drink plenty of fluids: Proper hydration is crucial in preventing constipation, a key factor in the development of hemorrhoids. Water is the best choice, but other non-alcoholic fluids can be beneficial too.
3. Regular exercise: Physical activity can help prevent constipation and reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with prolonged standing or sitting, hence preventing hemorrhoids.
4. Avoid straining: Straining during bowel movements can lead to hemorrhoids. If you’re constipated, consider over-the-counter treatments to help facilitate easier bowel movements.
5. Don’t ignore the urge: When you have to go, go. Delaying a bowel movement can lead to harder stools that can cause straining and subsequent hemorrhoid development.
6. Avoid long periods of sitting: Sitting for a long time, particularly on the toilet, can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.
7. Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight can also increase pressure on the rectal veins, leading to the development of hemorrhoids.
8. Use a stool or a squatty-potty: Utilizing a small stool to elevate your legs while on the toilet can reduce straining.
These prevention strategies can greatly reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids. However, if you do experience symptoms like rectal bleeding, discomfort, and swelling, it is important to see a healthcare provider to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
FAQ’s about Haemorrhoids (piles)
1. What are haemorrhoids (piles)?
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum and anus. They can cause discomfort, itching and bleeding.
2. What causes haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are typically caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as straining during bowel movements, sitting for long periods of time on the toilet, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, obesity, or pregnancy.
3. What are the symptoms of haemorrhoids?
Common symptoms of haemorrhoids include discomfort, itching, pain or bleeding during or after bowel movements, swelling around the anus, and lumps near the anus which might be sensitive or painful.
4. How are haemorrhoids diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose haemorrhoids based on a physical examination. If necessary, your doctor may also do other tests such as a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy to rule out more serious conditions like cancer.
5. What are the treatment options for haemorrhoids?
The treatment for haemorrhoids depends on their size and severity. Mild symptoms can be relieved through dietary changes (high fiber diet), drinking lots of water, and over-the-counter treatments. Wearier cases might require medical treatments like rubber band ligation, injections to shrink the haemorrhoid, or surgery.
6. Can haemorrhoids be prevented?
Yes, most of the time, haemorrhoids can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a high-fiber diet, drinking lots of fluids, not straining during bowel movements, and avoiding sitting for long periods of time.
7. Are haemorrhoids serious?
While haemorrhoids can cause significant pain and discomfort, they are not typically life-threatening. However, they can lead to more serious issues like anal fissures or anal fistulas if not treated properly. It’s important to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment to minimize complications.
8. When should I see a doctor?
You should see your doctor if you’re experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or if your haemorrhoids prevent you from having normal bowel movements. It’s also important to see your doctor if haemorrhoids symptoms persist for longer periods of time even after treatment.
All these information are general and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical advice.
Useful links
Here are some scientific journals and articles that might help you get a comprehensive knowledge of hemorrhoids (piles):
Please note that some articles may be behind a paywall. However, abstracts or summaries are usually freely available and provide a helpful overview of the content. It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Complications of Haemorrhoids (piles)
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus. They can cause discomfort and can interfere with daily activities if not treated properly. Here are some complications related to haemorrhoids:
1. Pain and Bleeding: The most frequent symptoms are discomfort and bleeding during bowel movements. The strain of passing stool can lead to painful, bright-red bleeding.
2. Strangulated Haemorrhoid: Most haemorrhoids are internal, which means they’re inside the rectum. If an internal haemorrhoid protrudes from the anus (this is known as a prolapsed haemorrhoid) and is unable to retract back inside, it can become strangulated. This cuts off the blood supply, leading to severe pain and can cause the haemorrhoid to become gangrenous.
3. Anaemia: Chronic bleeding from haemorrhoids can potentially cause iron deficiency anaemia. This complication is rare but can occur if haemorrhoids bleed significantly over time.
4. Thrombosed Haemorrhoid: This condition occurs when a prolapsed haemorrhoid or an external haemorrhoid develops a blood clot. This causes severe pain, inflammation, swelling, or a hard lump around your anus.
5. Infection: Although rare, it is possible for an open or torn haemorrhoid to become infected. If not treated, infection can lead to more serious health conditions, like an abscess or sepsis.
If you have haemorrhoids and notice severe or increased bleeding, increased discomfort, or other unusual symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to prevent potential complications.
Home remedies of Haemorrhoids (piles)
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, can be quite discomforting and painful. While medication and surgery are options, there are various home remedies that many find effective. Try these remedies to help ease the symptoms:
1. High-Fiber Diet: One should add more fiber in their diet as it softens the stool and reduces strain during bowel movements, which can help prevent the swelling and irritation of hemorrhoids.
2. Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial to maintain soft stool. Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
3. Over-the-counter creams, ointments, suppositories or pads: These can help soothe and shrink hemorrhoids. Most of these products have ingredients like witch hazel or hydrocortisone that can reduce pain and swelling.
4. Cold Compresses: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling.
5. Sitz Baths: Soak the anal area in warm water for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, especially after a bowel movement. It helps to soothe the affected area and reduces itchiness or discomfort.
6. Physical Activity: Regular, light exercise could prevent constipation and reduce the pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting.
7. Avoid Straining or Holding Breath During Bowel Movements: This can increase the pressure on the hemorrhoid tissue and can worsen the condition.
Before trying any home remedies, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor or healthcare professional to ensure the chosen method is safe for individual health conditions. If symptoms continue or become severe, a healthcare professional should be contacted.