Hemorrhoids or Piles are dilated veins in the anus, they look like abnormal lumps, they cause one of three common symptoms: Pain, bleeding or repeated inflammatory attacks and prolapse.
Not all Hemorrhoids are equal and treated equally, some are purely internal, some are pure external hemorrhoids which can develop a blood clot in them after prolonged sitting and cause severe pain necessitating urgent intervention, and some are mixed. Most hemorrhoids are the mixed type and advanced in stage by the time patient seeks medical help.
Internal Hemorrhoids usually bleed without pain or repeatedly prolapse after each bowel movement and go back up by themselves or by a little push by the patient’s fingers. They are classified in four grades or stages.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
- Prolonged straining at stools often disturbs the stool evacuation mechanism leading to piles.
- The most common cause of piles is straining which in turn is mostly due to Constipation
- Increase in abdominal pressure during pregnancy, childbirth & weight-lifting
- Jobs which require long hours of sitting/standing like software, driver’s, conductor’s, tailors etc.
- Low fiber diet – intake of less than 30 grams of fiber per day
- Obesity – because excessive weight puts pressure on the veins of the rectum and anus
- Faulty toilet habits (sitting on the toilet for extended duration)
- Family history
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
- Painless bleeding during bowel movements
- Itching or irritation in anal region
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling around anus
- Protruding mass or lumps from the anus
- Formation of lumps near the anus due to blood clots in the hemorrhoid (thrombosed hemorrhoid) leading to painful swelling which worsens with bowel movement and sitting
- Leakage of feces or feacal soiling of undergarments
Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids
Your doctor may be able to see if you have external hemorrhoids simply by looking. Tests and procedures to diagnose internal hemorrhoids may include examination of your anal canal and rectum:
- Digital examination.During a digital rectal exam, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum. He or she feels for anything unusual, such as growths. The exam can suggest to your doctor whether further testing is needed.
- Visual inspection.Because internal hemorrhoids are often too soft to be felt during a rectal exam, your doctor may also examine the lower portion of your colon and rectum with proctoscope, video rectoscope or sigmoidoscope.
Your doctor may want to examine your entire colon using colonoscopy if:
- Your signs and symptoms suggest you might have another digestive system disease like IBS, ulcerative colitis, etc.
- You have risk factors for colorectal cancer
- You are middle-aged and haven’t had a recent colonoscopy
Treatment of Hemorrhoids
No matter how difficult and unmanageable hemorrhoids treatment may look like, they can be treated with ease by our internationally trained surgeons who understand various symptoms & causes of Piles. Our surgeons & staff are well trained and experienced to ensure that we, provide the best and affordable pile’s treatment options.
We specialize in providing treatment for Piles without surgery. We use natural & sustainable techniques to provide minimally-invasive treatment for Piles in early stages.
1. Early Stage Piles Treatment:
A conservative treatment intended to halt and reverse the early stage without any surgical intervention.
- Topical Treatments: Apply cream or suppository. Don’t use an over-the-counter steroid cream it may cause thinning of skin.
- Sitz Bath: Soak your anal area in plain warm water 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day.
- Stool Softeners: use of stool softener and herbal formulation to relive constipation
- High-Fiber Diet: Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can worsen symptoms from existing hemorrhoids.
- Water Intake: Drink plenty of water.
- Physiotherapy: Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps to strengthen muscles in the anal region.
- Ayurveda Therapy: This includes enema with medicated herbal oils.
With these treatments, hemorrhoid symptoms often go away within a week. Consult us, if you don’t get relief in a week, or sooner if you have severe pain or bleeding.