Piles is another term for hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are collections of inflamed tissue in the anal canal. They contain blood vessels, support tissue, muscle, and elastic fibers.
Contents of this article:
What are piles (Hemorrhoids)?
- Piles are collections of tissue and vein that become inflamed and swollen .
- They can have a range of sizes, and they may be internal or external.
- Internal piles are normally located between 2 and 4 centimetres (cm) above the opening of the anus, and they are the more common type. External piles occur on the outside edge of the anus.
Symptoms
An individual with piles may experience the following symptoms:
- A hard, possibly painful lump may be felt around the anus. It may contain coagulated blood. Piles that contain blood are called thrombosed external Piles.
- After passing a stool, a person with piles may experience the feeling that the bowels are still full.
- Bright red blood is visible after a bowel movement.
- The area around the anus is itchy, red, and sore.
- Pain occurs during the passing of a stool.
Piles can escalate into a more severe condition :
- infection
- anal fistula, in which a new channel is created between the surface of the skin near the anus and the inside of the anus.
- a strangulated Piles, in which the blood supply to the Piles is cut off, causing complications including infection or a blood clot
Piles is classified into four grades:
- Grade I: There are small inflammations, usually inside the lining of the anus. They are not visible.
- Grade II: Grade II piles are larger than grade I piles, but also remain inside the anus. They may get pushed out during the passing of stool, but they will return unaided.
- Grade III: These are also known as prolapsed hemorrhoids, and appear outside the anus. The individual may feel them hanging from the rectum, but they can be easily re-inserted.
- Grade IV: These cannot be pushed back in and need treatment. They are large and remain outside of the anus.
Causes
- Piles are caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum.
The blood vessels around the anus and in the rectum will stretch under pressure and may swell or bulge, forming piles.
This may be due to:
- chronic constipation
- chronic diarrhea
- lifting heavy weights
- pregnancy
- straining when passing a stool
The tendency to develop piles may also be inherited and increases with age.
Diagnosis
A doctor can usually diagnose piles after carrying out a physical examination. They will examine the anus of the person with suspected piles.
The doctor may ask the following questions:
- Do any close relatives have piles?
- Has there been any blood or mucus in the stools?
- Has there been any recent weight loss?
- Have bowel movements changed recently?
- What color are the stools?
For internal piles, the doctor may perform a digital rectal examination (DRE) or use a proctoscope. A proctoscope is a hollow tube fitted with a light. It allows the doctor to see the anal canal up close. They can take a small tissue sample from inside the rectum. This can then be sent to the lab for analysis.
The physician may recommend a colonoscopy if the person with piles presents signs and symptoms that suggest another digestive system diseases, or they are demonstrating any risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Treatments
In the majority of cases, piles resolve on their own without the need for any treatment. However, some treatments can help significantly reduce the discomfort and itching that many people experience with piles.
Lifestyle changes
Diet and body weight may affect the risk of developing piles. Eating a high fiber diet and managing weight may help to prevent and treat the condition.
A doctor will initially recommend some lifestyle changes to manage piles.
Diet: Piles can occur due to straining during bowel movements. Excessive straining 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 primarily eating bran-based breakfast cereals.
A doctor may also advise the person with piles to increase their water consumption. It is best to avoid caffeine.
Body weight: Losing weight may help reduce the incidence and severity of piles.
To prevent piles, doctors also advise exercising and avoiding straining to pass stools. Exercising is one of the main therapies for piles.
Two Types of Treatment
- AYURVEDIC
- Surgical
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR HAEMORRHOIDS(PILES) :
1. Kshara sutra and Agnikarma
2 .Kankayan Vati is quite beneficial in piles.
3. Arshoghnivati tablet 1 to 2 tablets with water or butter milk can be taken thrice or four times daily.
4. TRIPHALA CHURNA, ABHYARISHTA, is the treatment for haemorrhoids.
Surgical options
Banding: The doctor places an elastic band around the base of the pile, cutting off its blood supply. After a few days, the hemorrhoid falls off. This is effective for treating all hemorrhoids of less than grade IV status.
Sclerotherapy: Medicine is injected to make the hemorrhoid shrink. The hemorrhoid eventually shrivels up. This is effective for grade II and III hemorrhoids and is an alternative to banding.
Infrared coagulation: Also referred to as infrared light coagulation, a device is used to burn the hemorrhoid tissue. This technique is used to treat grade I and II hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoidectomy: The excess tissue that is causing the bleeding is surgically removed. This can be done in various ways and 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 for completely removing piles, but there is a risk of complications, including difficulties with passing stools, as well as urinary tract infections.
Hemorrhoid stapling: Blood flow is blocked to the hemorrhoid tissue. This procedure is usually less painful than hemorrhoidectomy. However, this procedure can lead to an increased risk of hemorrhoid recurrence and rectal prolapse, in which part of the rectum pushes out of the anus.
Home remedies :
1.A teaspoon of Haritaki (Harad) is made into paste with a teaspoon of jaggery and is consumed before food, once or twice a day.
2. Powder of Trivrt along with decoction of Triphala (Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaka) is told as a remedy for piles.
3. Haritaki – Terminalia chebula along with buttermilk is administered at night.
4. Haritaki – Terminalia chebula soaked over night. It is given along with Jaggery
5. Buttermilk home remedy for piles
6. Apamarga home remedy for bleeding piles
2. Powder of Trivrt along with decoction of Triphala (Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaka) is told as a remedy for piles.
3. Haritaki – Terminalia chebula along with buttermilk is administered at night.
4. Haritaki – Terminalia chebula soaked over night. It is given along with Jaggery
5. Buttermilk home remedy for piles
6. Apamarga home remedy for bleeding piles
Outlook
While they can be painful and debilitating, piles do not usually pose any ongoing threat to health and can be self-managed up to grades III or IV. If a complication develops, such as a fistula, this can become serious.
The surgical options for more advanced piles are normally outpatient procedures with minimal recovery time.
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