What are Piles (Haemorrhoids)?
Piles are a common problem faced by people due to aging or pre-existing conditions. They can also occur in pregnant women and individuals with unhealthy lifestyles. Piles develop in the area around the anus, where the veins swell, causing irritation and bleeding. Patients with piles often struggle to pass stool, and conditions like constipation or diarrhoea can worsen the problem. Learn what treatments or medications can help resolve pile issues.
Types of Piles (Haemorrhoids)
You must have piles, but do you know which types of piles you are suffering from? We have listed down types of piles; take a look to see the symptoms and which one is yours.
Internal Haemorrhoids
These occur inside the lining of the rectum, above the "dentate line", where there are few pain-sensing nerves. They are typically invisible from the outside and usually painless, even when they bleed. The most common symptom is seeing bright red blood on the toilet tissue or in the bowl after a bowel movement.
External Haemorrhoids
Located under the skin around the outer opening of the anus, these are easily felt as the small, flesh-coloured lumps. Because this area is rich in the nerves, it can be quite itchy or painful, especially when sitting. If a blood clot forms inside one (thrombosis), it can turn purple or blue and cause a sudden, severe pain.
Prolapsed Haemorrhoids
These are internal haemorrhoids that have been stretched and pushed down through the anal opening. They appear as moist, pink pads of skin that are softer than the surrounding tissue. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness, mucus discharge, and discomfort, though they can often be gently pushed back inside manually.
Mixed Haemorrhoids
This type of piles refers to a combination of both the internal and external haemorrhoids occurring at the same time. They often appear as a continuous bridge of swollen tissue that crosses the anal border. Patients usually experience a mix of symptoms: painless internal bleeding combined with external itching, swelling, and localised pain.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Piles (Haemorrhoids)?
The symptoms of the piles vary depending on whether they are internal or external, but the general signs remain consistent. However, women may experience specific symptoms related to the pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and the hormonal changes.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Piles
- Painless Bleeding
- Itching or Irritation
- Swelling or Lumps
- Fecal Leakage
Specific Signs and Symptoms in Females
While the biological mechanics of the piles are the same, women often face unique triggers, mostly around the pregnancy and postpartum phase:
- Sudden onset of the large, swollen external piles in the third trimester.
- Piles become more sensitive or prone before or during the periods due to pelvic congestion and hormonal shifts.
- A feeling of "fullness" or dragging in the pelvic floor, caused by internal haemorrhoidal swelling.
Pain, Bleeding, or Discomfort While Passing Stool? Don’t Ignore It. Consult a specialist for accurate diagnosis and effective piles treatment.
What are the Causes of Piles?
Piles can happen for a bunch of different reasons, often linked to the daily habits and body changes over time. Here are some of the more common causes people tend to experience:
Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
Constipation makes the stool hard, so you end up pushing harder, which puts the pressure on the veins. Diarrhoea, on the other hand, irritates the area due to the frequent bowel movements, which can also trigger the swelling.
Straining during bowel movements
When you strain too much, it increases pressure in the rectal veins. Over time, this repeated stress can cause those veins to swell and form piles.
The growing uterus puts pressure on pelvic veins, and hormonal changes can slow digestion. Together, these make pregnant women more prone to developing piles.
Extra body weight, especially around the abdomen, adds constant pressure on the pelvic area. This can affect blood flow in rectal veins and lead to swelling.
Sitting for long hours, especially without movement, can slow down digestion and increase pressure in the lower rectum. This makes it easier for piles to develop.
Not getting enough fiber leads to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. This often results in straining, which directly contributes to piles.
Some people naturally have weaker vein walls. If it runs in the family, you might be more likely to develop piles even without major lifestyle triggers.
How are Haemorrhoids Diagnosed?
If you’re dealing with symptoms like pain, itching, or bleeding, a doctor may suggest a few simple tests to understand what’s going on. These exams help confirm whether it’s piles or something else.
- Digital rectal exam: This is usually the first step. The doctor gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any swelling, lumps, or abnormalities. It helps detect internal piles and rule out other possible issues.
- Anoscopy: In this test, a small tube with a light (anoscope) is inserted a short distance into the anus. It gives a clear view of the lower rectum, making it easier to spot internal haemorrhoids that aren’t visible from outside.
- Sigmoidoscopy: This involves a flexible tube with a camera to examine the lower part of the colon. It’s useful when symptoms need a deeper check, helping confirm piles and also rule out other conditions like inflammation or growths.
Treatment Options for Piles (Haemorrhoids)
To stop further irritation, the first step in managing the pain of piles (haemorrhoids) is often to reduce pressure and soften stools. Here are some home remedies that work well to help with symptoms:
- Sit in a tub of plain, warm water for 10–15 minutes after a bowel movement.
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress (wrapped in a cloth) to the anal area.
- Increase your intake of fibre to keep stools soft and easy to pass.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods.
If these remedies don't show improvement within a week, or if you experience severe pain or heavy bleeding, it's important to consult a specialist. They perform minimally invasive procedure without general anaesthesia and are most effective for Internal Haemorrhoids:
- Rubber Band Ligation: The most common treatment. A small elastic band is placed around the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off blood flow. It eventually withers and falls off within a few days.
- Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the haemorrhoid tissue to shrink it. It’s less effective than banding but is often used if banding isn't an option.
- Infrared Coagulation (IRC): Uses infrared light to create heat, causing scar tissue to form. This cuts off blood supply to the haemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
For larger, persistent, or Mixed/Prolapsed Haemorrhoids, surgery may be necessary:
- Haemorrhoidectomy: The most effective "gold standard" for severe or recurring piles. The surgeon surgically removes the excess tissue that causes bleeding and protrusion.
- Haemorrhoid Stapling (Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy): This procedure staples the internal haemorrhoid back into its normal position and disrupts its blood supply. It generally involves less postoperative pain than a traditional haemorrhoidectomy.
- Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP): A modern, minimally invasive laser technique that shrinks the haemorrhoid from the inside using laser energy. It offers a faster recovery time and less tissue damage.
What are the Complications of Piles?
When piles are left untreated or become severe, they can sometimes lead to additional problems. These complications aren’t very common, but they can cause discomfort and may need medical attention.
Ongoing bleeding from piles, even if it’s small amounts, can add up over time. This may lower your red blood cell count and lead to fatigue, weakness, or dizziness.
Irritated or damaged tissue around the piles can sometimes get infected. This can cause increased pain, swelling, and in some cases, discharge or fever.
These are small, soft pieces of skin that can remain after a swollen haemorrhoid shrinks. They’re usually harmless but may cause irritation or difficulty with hygiene.
Strangulated Haemorrhoids
This happens when the blood supply to an internal haemorrhoid gets cut off. It can be quite painful and may require prompt treatment.
In this case, a blood clot forms inside the haemorrhoid. It often leads to sudden, severe pain along with swelling and a firm lump near the anus.
How Can I Prevent Haemorrhoids?
The good news is that piles can often be prevented with a few simple changes in daily habits. Small adjustments in diet and lifestyle can go a long way in keeping your digestion smooth and reducing pressure on the rectal veins.
Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your meals. Fiber helps soften stools, making them easier to pass without straining.
Drinking enough water keeps stools soft and supports healthy digestion. It also reduces the chances of constipation.
Try not to force bowel movements or sit on the toilet for too long. Go when you feel the urge and let it happen naturally.
Regular movement helps keep your digestive system working properly. Even light activities like walking can make a difference.
Don’t Sit for Long Periods
Sitting for extended hours, especially on hard surfaces, can increase pressure in the rectal area. Take short breaks and move around when you can.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Managing body weight helps reduce unnecessary pressure on pelvic veins, lowering the risk of developing piles.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Sometimes, symptoms around piles can overlap with other conditions, so it’s important not to ignore warning signs. If something feels unusual or keeps coming back, it’s a good idea to get it checked rather than guessing. A doctor can help figure out what’s really going on and guide you on the next steps.
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms are not directly related to piles and could signal a more serious underlying condition. Getting checked early helps rule out complications.
How Artemis Hospitals Help in Treating and Managing Piles Symptoms?
At Artemis Hospitals, the patient receives world-class care from a team of highly skilled gastrointestinal surgeons and proctologists specializing in advanced piles treatment. The hospital integrates decades of medical expertise with a patient-centric philosophy, ensuring that the root cause of the discomfort is addressed rather than just the surface-level symptoms.
The center is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, featuring the latest laser technology and minimally invasive surgical suites. These advanced tools allow the patient to undergo procedures that are significantly less painful, involve minimal blood loss, and offer a much faster recovery time compared to traditional methods.
Beyond surgical precision, the specialists provide a comprehensive wellness plan that includes dietary counseling and lifestyle modifications. This holistic approach empowers the patient to achieve long-term relief and effectively prevent the recurrence of the condition, all within a safe and technologically superior environment.
If you’re considering getting it checked, you can simply book an appointment for piles treatment near you, call +91 98004 00498.
Article by Dr. Mayank Madan
Chief - Robotic, Bariatric, Minimal Access & General Surgery
Artemis Hospitals
