Table Of Contents
- What are Piles/Hemorrhoids?
- What are the causes of Hemorrhoids?
- What are the symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
- Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
- How are piles diagnosed?
- What are the treatment methods to tackle Hemorrhoids?
What are Piles/Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are, also known as piles, are swollen veins that occur in your anal region and lower rectum that looks like varicose veins. Piles that develop inside the rectum are known as internal piles/hemorrhoids. Those outside the anus are known as external piles/hemorrhoids.
Almost 3 out of 4 adults have piles at some point in their lives. Though there are several causes, the exact cause is unknown. However, there are many effective options to get rid of hemorrhoids, and with home treatments and lifestyle
changes, you can eliminate piles easily.
What are the causes of Hemorrhoids?
The veins around the anus stretch when you strain during bowel movement. This can cause a bulge or swelling.
Hemorrhoids start when there is an increase in pressure in the lower rectum when you:
- Strain during bowel movements
- Sit for long hours in the toilet
- Have chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Are overweight
- Pregnant
- Have anal intercourse
- Eat a low-fiber diet
- Do heavy lifting
What are the symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
Here are some of the symptoms of external hemorrhoids. Signs include:
- Itching or irritation around the anus
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling around the anus
- Bleeding
Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and hence are not visible. They rarely cause any discomfort. However, straining or irritation when you are passing stool can cause:
- Hemorrhoid to push through the anus that will cause irritation and pain
- Painless bleeding (small spots of blood)
Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Blood clotting in external hemorrhoid is called a thrombus and can result in:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Hard lump near the anus
How are piles diagnosed?
Though your medical practitioner can see external hemorrhoids, it is hard to diagnose internal hemorrhoids and hence will need an examination of your anal canal and rectum.
- Visual inspection – as internal hemorrhoids are quite soft to be felt during a physical rectal exam, your doctor will check the lower portion of your colon and rectum using an anoscope, proctoscope, or sigmoidoscope.
- Digital examination – the medical practitioner will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to check for growths.
What are the treatment methods to tackle Hemorrhoids?
Home remedies
- Use topical treatments – use OTC hemorrhoid cream that contains hydrocortisone.
- Have a sitz bath – soak your anal area in plain warm water for 10-15 minutes 2-3x a day.
- Eat fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This will both soften the stool and increase the bulk that will prevent you from straining while pooping.
- Have pain relievers – you can have acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to get rid of discomfort.
With these treatments, hemorrhoid symptoms will dissipate within a week. Make sure to check with your doctor if you feel severe pain or bleeding.
Medications
Your doctor will prescribe you OTC medications, pain killers, ointments, or suppositories to get rid of pain and itching.
If there is external hemorrhoid, your doctor will remove hemorrhoid that will give prompt relief. The procedure is done under local anesthesia.
Final thoughts
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, make sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner for proper diagnosis and treatment.
