Piles symptoms, and treatment

Hemorrhoids are lumps inside and around a person’s anus (1). These hemorrhoids are called piles. The veins around the anus or lower part of the rectum are swollen and inflamed (2). Hemorrhoids are a very widespread anorectal condition (3). It affects millions of people worldwide.

Types of hemorrhoids

There are two types of hemorrhoids (2)

• External hemorrhoids
• Internal hemorrhoids

Causes of piles

There are several risk factors which maybe lead to the development of piles symptoms. (2)

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Straining while passing stools
• Diet lacking in fiber or containing low amounts of fiber
• Being pregnant
• Being older than 50 years
• Lifting heavy articles regularly

Mostly the condition gets resolved on its own in a few days. But there are certain measures that can be taken to treat and prevent piles symptoms (1).

Symptoms (2)

Piles symptoms differ according to the type of piles a person is afflicted with.

External hemorrhoids symptoms 

• Itching of the anus
• Presence of one or more hard, tender lumps near the anus
• Anal pain while sitting

Generally, symptoms of external hemorrhoids disappear within a few days. Piles symptoms get worse on too much straining, rubbing and cleaning of the anus.

Internal hemorrhoids symptoms 

• Bright red blood on stools or on the toilet paper while cleaning because of bleeding from the rectum.
• Prolapse, which is hemorrhoid that has fallen out of the anus.

Bleeding from the rectum does not mean only piles, it could be some other problem of the digestive system too.

Treatment 

Generally, piles symptoms can be treated at home itself. These are some measures that can be taken to prevent or treat piles (1, 2, 3).

What to follow

• A healthy diet containing sufficient dietary fiber
• Drinking water as recommended by the doctor
• Regular exercise routine
• Improving anal hygiene
• Do not disregard the urge to pass stools
• To relieve itching or pain one can sit in a warm water bath or use creams suggested by the doctor
• While cleaning the anal region use damp wipes
• Taking stool softeners suggested by a health provider

What to avoid

• Avoiding sitting for long periods of time in the toilet
• Avoid straining during passing stools
• Restrict the intake of alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages such as tea, coffee, and cola to avoid constipation
• Avoid using medicines which cause constipation or diarrhea

If these simple remedies do not work in a week then please see a doctor because a different approach may be needed (1).

But for severely prolapsed hemorrhoids or when there is bleeding because of internal hemorrhoids there is a need for proper medical treatment. If there is anal pain or abdominal pain or diarrhea or fever do not neglect to see a doctor immediately. The treatment may involve surgery in some cases.

References

1. National Health Service (2019). Piles (Haemorrhoids).

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/

2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and kidney diseases (2016). Definition & Facts of Hemorrhoids.

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/definition-facts#what

3. Lohsiriwat, V. (2012) Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management, World journal of gastroenterology. Vol. 18 (17).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342598/