What is piles ?
Piles are swollen and enlarged veins in the lower rectum and anus (similar to varicose veins in legs). Doctors say that piles happen when pressure increases in the veins of the rectum, causing them to swell, stretch, and sometimes bleed.
Common Causes:
- Chronic constipation
- Straining during bowel movement
- Sitting long time on toilet
- Low-fiber diet
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Aging
Types of Piles
Internal Piles: These occur inside the rectum.
Characteristics:
- Usually painless
- Bleeding during stool is common
- Blood is bright red
- Sometimes tissue may come out during stool
External Piles: These occur under the skin around the anus.
Characteristics:
- Painful swelling
- Itching
- Lump near anus
- Difficulty sitting
- Sometimes a blood clot forms (called thrombosed piles)
Piles Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Options may include:
- Lifestyle and dietary changes
- Medications and ointments
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Laser piles treatment
- Surgical treatment in advanced cases
Medications
- Oral pain relievers : Paracetamol or ibuprofen for discomfort.
- Stool softeners or fiber supplements : Like psyllium (Metamucil) or docusate sodium (Colace).
Minimally Invasive Procedures (for persistent cases)
1. Rubber band ligation : Cuts off blood supply to internal hemorrhoid.
2. Sclerotherapy : Injection to shrink hemorrhoid.
3. Infrared coagulation : Laser or infrared light to harden and remove.
4. Laser
5. Rafaelo
Surgical Options (for severe or recurring piles)
- Hemorrhoidectomy : Surgical Removal.
- Stapled hemorrhoidopexy : Staples reposition and reduce blood flow.
- Chiwate 'S Procedure
