Table Of Contents
- What are Piles / Hemorrhoids?
- Types of Piles
- Symptoms of Hemorrhoids / Piles
- Risk Factors for Piles
- Diagnosis
- Treatment for Piles
What are Piles / Hemorrhoids?
‘Piles’ or ‘Hemorrhoids’ are blood vessels situated in the walls of the rectum and anus. Piles are caused due to swelling of these blood vessels and the tissue above them gets stretched due to it. This creates sac-like structures near the anus. These sac like structures are called piles and they get further strained during bowel movement, thereby causing immense pain and discomfort.
Types of Piles
- Internal Hemorrhoids develop within the anus or rectum.
- External: Hemorrhoids develop just outside the anal opening.
Internal piles are further classified into 4 grades
- Grade 1: prominent vessels but no prolapse
- Grade 2: hemorrhoids prolapse while passing stools but reduces spontaneously
- Grade 3: hemorrhoids prolapse but can be reduced by manually
- Grade 4: permanently prolapsed hemorrhoids
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids / Piles
- Blood while passing stools
- Itching
- Painful hard lump in the rectum
- Swelling in the anal region
Risk Factors
- Excessive Straining while passing stools
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Multiple Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Sitting in the washroom for extended periods
- Eating a low-fiber diet
- Frequent heavy lifting
- Anal infections
Diagnosis
External hemorrhoids are easy to diagnose simply by looking. The diagnosis of internal hemorrhoids may include a rectal exam by the doctor.
Treatment for Piles
First line of treatment for piles is medications, ointments & lifestyle changes. If these fail to give relief then the doctor may recommend you to opt for endoscopic therapies for piles like rubber band ligation etc.. There are other modes of treatments available including:
- Traditional Open Surgery
- Most Advanced Laser Piles Treatment