Health Information : Piles

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What are Piles?

Piles, also known as Haemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels present in your anus and lower rectum. We all have haemorrhoids but when they become too big or inflamed, then problem arises. Piles can be of various sizes. They can occur internally as well as externally. Internal piles are 2-4 cm above the opening of anus and external piles are present on the outside edge of anus.

What causes Piles?

The veins in the anal region tend to stretch under extreme pressure and swell, resulting in piles. This increased pressure can occur in lower rectum due to many reasons:

• Straining during bowel movement
• Sitting for long periods on the toilet
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Anal intercourse
• Low-fibre diet

What are the symptoms of Piles?

The most common signs and symptoms of piles are:

• Painless bleeding while bowel movement
• Itching/ irritation in anal region
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling around anus
• A sensitive or painful lump near anus

How can Piles be treated?

• If piles are creating mild discomfort for you, then your doctor may give you creams and ointment to apply on the area along with suppositories and pads.
• If painful blood clot is formed with external piles, then your doctor may make a small cut in the region to drain the blood clot.
• If you have persistent painful and bleeding piles, then minimally invasive procedure is done to get relief. The procedures done are: Rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy and coagulation (infrared, bipolar or laser).
• For large haemorrhoids, surgical procedure may be done to completely remove them.