Piles: Symptoms,Treatments

Symptoms of piles

In most cases, piles are not serious and go away on their own after a few days.

An individual with piles may experience the following symptoms:

• A hard lump may be felt around the anus. It consists of coagulated blood, called a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. This can be painful
• After going to the toilet, a feeling that the bowels are still full
• Bright red blood after a bowel movement
• Itchiness around the anus
• Mucus discharge when emptying the bowels
• Pain while defecating
• The area around the anus may be red and sore.

Internal hemorrhoids are classified into four grades:7

• Grade 1 - there are small inflammations, usually inside the lining of the anus. They are not visible
• Grade 2 - larger than grade 1 hemorrhoids, but also inside the anus. When passing a stool, they may get pushed out, but return unaided
• Grade 3 - often called 'prolapsed hemorrhoids'; these appear outside the anus. The patient may feel them hanging out. They can be pushed back in if the patient presses with their finger
• Grade 4 - these cannot be pushed back in and need to be treated by a doctor. They are large and stay outside the anus all the time.

External hemorrhoids are called perianal hematoma. These are small lumps that are located on the outside edge of the anus. They are very itchy and can be painful if a blood clot forms inside (thrombosed external hemorrhoid). Thrombosed external hemorrhoid requires medical treatment straight away.

Treatments for piles

In the majority of cases, piles resolve on their own without the need for any treatment. Treatments can help significantly reduce the discomfort and itching that many patients experience.

A good doctor will initially recommend some lifestyle changes.

Diet - piles can be caused by too much straining when doing bowel movements, which is the result of constipation. A change in diet can help keep the stools regular and soft. This involves eating more fiber, such as fruit and vegetables, or switching your cereal breakfast to bran.

Water is the best drink, and the patient may be advised to increase his/her water consumption. Some experts say too much caffeine is not good.

Body weight - if the patient is obese, losing weight may help reduce the incidence and severity of hemorrhoids.

Simple things you can do yourself to help prevent piles:

• Try not to strain when you go to the toilet
• Avoid laxatives
• Exercise.

Ointments, creams, pads and other OTC medications - there are some over-the-counter (OTC) medications which help soothe the redness and swelling around the anus area. Some of them contain witch hazel, hydrocortisone, or some other active ingredient which can relieve symptoms of itching and pain.1813

It is important to remember that they do not cure piles, they only treat the symptoms. Do not use them for more than seven consecutive days - longer periods may irritate the anus area and cause skin thinning. Unless advised to by your doctor, do not use two or more medications simultaneously.

Corticosteroids - these can reduce inflammation and pain.

Painkillers - ask your pharmacist for suitable painkilling medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Laxatives - the doctor may prescribe one if the patient suffers from constipation.

Banding - the doctor places an elastic band around the base of the pile inside the anus, cutting off its blood supply. After a few days, the hemorrhoids fall off. This can work for grades 2 and 3 hemorrhoids.

Sclerotherapy - a medicine is injected to make hemorrhoid shrink - hemorrhoid eventually shrivels up. This is effective for grades 2 and 3 hemorrhoids and is a useful alternative to banding.

Infrared coagulation - also referred to as infrared light coagulation. Used for grades 1 or 2 hemorrhoids. A device burns the hemorrhoid tissue.19

• Surgery - used for particularly large piles, or grades 3 or 4 hemorrhoids. Generally, surgery is used if other procedures were not effective. Sometimes surgery is done on an outpatient basis - the patient goes home after the procedure.
• Hemorrhoidectomy - the excess tissue that is causing the bleeding is surgically removed. This can be done in various ways. It may involve a combination of a local anesthetic and sedation, a spinal anesthetic, or a general anesthetic. This type of surgery is the most effective in completely removing piles, but there is a risk of complications, which can include difficulties passing stools, as well as urinary tract infections.
• Hemorrhoid stapling - blood flow is blocked to the tissue of hemorrhoid. This procedure is usually less painful than hemorrhoidectomy. However, there is a greater risk of hemorrhoid recurrence and rectal prolapse (part of the rectum pushes out of the anus).

Home Remedies 

Lemon and Milk - Heat the milk lightly and add 1 lemon juice and drink it immediately. Keep in mind that the milk does not get cracked This will get relief in hemorrhoids for 7 days.