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Bleeding when passing stools may be a troublesome problem for many of us. Piles may be the reason for this bleeding. We also know “piles” as “hemorrhoids”. In this article, let’s see what are the main causes, symptoms, and types of piles. We’ll know about the best treatment for piles as well.
The term piles or hemorrhoids refers to a diseased condition in which the veins (blood vessels) inside and around the anus are swollen and get inflamed. This may cause bleeding or pain or both. We may feel these swelling as lumps or masses in the anal region.
Hemorrhoids may result from
Other contributing factors may include:
Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of hemorrhoids are:
The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl.
Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life-threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days by itself.
Many anorectal problems may present as bleeding. Not all bleeding is because of hemorrhoids. There are many other problems, such as fissures, fistula, abscesses, or itching. These may have similar symptoms and are usually incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus – internal – or under the skin around the anus – external.
Symptoms may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.
In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/ or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.
Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. About half of the population has hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are also common among pregnant women. The pressure of the fetus on the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.
A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by the doctor are important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool occurs.
Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.
The doctor will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities. Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the entire rectum. To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor may examine the rectum and lower colon, or sigmoid, with sigmoidoscopy or the entire colon with colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures that also involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes inserted through the rectum.
Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed initially at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include:
Preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require relieving the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors will often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid–not alcohol–result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.
Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium or methylcellulose.
In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated endoscopically or surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy the hemorrhoidal tissue. The doctor will perform the procedure during an office or hospital visit.
A number of methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include:
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep stools soft so they pass easily, thus decreasing pressure and straining, and empty
bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs. Exercise, including walking, and increased fiber in the diet help reduce constipation.
Dr. Deepak Rathi is one of the best piles doctors in Delhi/NCR. You may visit to consult.
