Piles (Haemorrhoids)

Understanding Piles (Haemorrhoids):

Piles, medically known as haemorrhoids, are a very common condition that many people experience but few openly talk about. They are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum, a bit like varicose veins, and can cause discomfort, bleeding, and irritation.

Causes of Piles:

• Straining during bowel movements (often due to constipation)

• Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet

• Pregnancy, because of increased pressure on pelvic veins

• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation

• Obesity

• Low-fibre diets that lead to harder stools

• Aging, as tissues supporting veins weaken over time

In many cases, no specific cause is found — and piles can occur even in otherwise healthy individuals.

Symptoms of Piles

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of piles:

• Bleeding during bowel movements (bright red blood)

• Itching or irritation around the anus

• Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting

• Swelling or a lump near the anus (external piles)

• Leakage of stool (in severe cases)

Sometimes, internal piles can protrude outside the anus, becoming prolapsed haemorrhoids, which might need more active treatment.

Types of Piles

• Internal piles: Located inside the rectum, usually painless but may bleed.

• External piles: Under the skin around the anus, often more uncomfortable.

• Prolapsed piles: Internal piles that have bulged outside the anal opening.

How Are Piles Diagnosed?

If you experience symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Diagnosis is often straightforward:

• A simple physical examination.

• Sometimes, a proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is used to look inside the rectum.

• In cases of significant bleeding, other tests might be done to rule out more serious conditions like colorectal cancer.

Treatment Options

Thankfully, most cases of piles are mild and can be managed with simple measures:

Home Remedies:

• Increase fibre intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)

• Drink plenty of water to soften stools

• Avoid straining during bowel movements

• Warm sitz baths (sitting in warm water for 10-15 minutes)

Medications:

• Over-the-counter creams and ointments (for pain and swelling)

• Suppositories to relieve internal piles

• Stool softeners if constipation is a problem

Office Procedures:

If piles are more severe, minimally invasive treatments can help:

• Rubber band ligation (cutting off blood supply to the pile)

• Sclerotherapy (injecting a solution to shrink it)

Surgery:

For very large or persistent piles, surgical options like haemorrhoidectomy, THD or Rafaelo procedure may be recommended.

Can Piles Be Prevented?

Yes — making small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk:

• Eat a high-fibre diet

• Stay hydrated

• Exercise regularly

• Avoid long periods of sitting

• Respond quickly to the urge to have a bowel movement (don’t delay)

Final Thoughts

Piles are common and nothing to be embarrassed about. With early treatment and simple lifestyle changes, most people can get relief quickly and avoid complications. If you notice persistent symptoms, especially bleeding, always seek medical advice to rule out other conditions.

Remember: early attention leads to easier management.