Piles Expert in Perumbakkam

Your Trusted Partner in Piles

Piles are swollen veins in the lower anus and rectum. This swelling can cause localized inflammation of other tissues. We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.

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Piles Hospital in Perumbakkam, Chennai

Understanding Piles

Causes

iles result from increased pressure in the lower rectum.

The blood vessels around the anus and 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
  • Straining when passing a stool
Dry Needling Hospital in Perumbakkam, Chennai

Symptoms

  • painful lumps in and around the anus
  • itching and discomfort around the anus
  • discomfort during and after passing stools
  • bloody stools
  • excessive anal bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fecal incontinence
  • strangulated hemorrhoid

Risk factors

Certain factors may increase a person’s risk of developing piles, including:
  • Pregnancy: Up to 50% trusted source of people experience hemorrhoids during pregnency. This is due to increased pressure on the pelvis, a person having a higher blood volume, and a higher incidence of constipation.
  • Age: Piles are more common in older adults. Around half trusted source of people over the age of 50 develop piles.
  • Weight: Research suggests that being overweight may increase trusted source a person’s chance of developing piles.
  • Diet: Eating a diet low in fiber may increase the likelihood trusted source of a person having piles.

Diagnosis

A doctor can usualy 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 for analysis.

The physician may recommend a colonoscopy if the person with piles presents signs and symptoms that suggest another digestive system disease, or they are demonstrating any risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Prevention

People can lower their risk of developing piles with a range of lifestyle alterations, including:
  • Eating a healthful diet: Staying hydrated and eating a diet rich in high fiber foods can help keep stools soft and make their passing easier.
  • Avoiding straining when passing stools: Straining when passing stools can increase the risk of developing piles.
  • Avoiding heavy lifting: Regular heavy lifting is a risk factor for piles. Limiting heavy exertion and practicing proper lifting techniques can help a person prevent the development of piles.
  • Maintaining a moderate weight: Being overweight raises the risk of having piles.
  • Staying active: Exercise can help food passage through the digestive system and make stools more regular. This can reduce the risk of piles.

Treatments

In most 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

A doctor will initially recommend some lifestyle changes to manage piles.

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. Losing weight may help reduce the incidence and severity of piles.

To prevent piles, doctors also advice trusted source exercising and avoiding straining to pass stools. Exercising is one of the main therapies for piles.

Medications

Several medicinal options are avilable to make symptoms more manageable for an individual with piles:

  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce discomfort.
  • Stool softeners: Stool softeners and laxatives can make passing stools easier, which can reduce pain from piles.
  • Corticosteroids: Cortic osteroid creams and ointment can reduce inflammation, pain, and itching.

Surgical options

If a person has severe prolapsed piles or internal piles that are bleeding, surgery may be necessary. Surgical procedures for piles include:
  • Banding: The doctor places an elastic band around the base of the pile, cutting off its blood supply. The hemorrhoid will typically fall off within a week trusted source.
  • Sclerotherapy: A doctor will inject medicine into the hemorrhoid to make it shrink and eventually shrivel up. This is effective for grade II and III hemorrhoids and is an alternative to banding.
  • Infrared coagulation: During this procedure, a surgeon will use an infrared light device to burn the hemorrhoid tissue.
  • Hemorrhoidectomy: This type of surgery involves the total removal of hemorrhoid tissue. It is the most effective trusted source option for completely removing piles, but there is a risk of complications, including difficulties with passing stools.
  • Hemorrhoid stapling: During this procedure, a surgeon will use staples to block blood flow to the hemorrhoid tissue.
Frequently Asked Question on Piles
What causes piles?
Piles can be caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum, leading to swelling of blood vessels. Common factors include straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, obesity, and pregnancy.
Are there different types of piles?
Yes, there are two main types of piles: internal and external. Internal piles are located inside the rectum, and external piles are found outside the anal opening.
Can lifestyle changes help manage piles?
Yes, certain lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent piles. These include maintaining a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, avoiding straining during bowel movements, and incorporating regular exercise into your routine.
How can piles be prevented?
To prevent piles, individuals can adopt a fiber-rich diet, drink plenty of water, avoid straining during bowel movements, and engage in regular physical activity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute to good bowel habits and reduce the risk of piles.
When should I see a doctor for piles?
It’s advisable to see a doctor if you experience persistent bleeding, severe pain, or if your symptoms do not improve with home remedies. Additionally, if you suspect you have piles, seeking medical advice can help rule out other potential causes.
Are there complications associated with piles?
While piles are generally not serious, complications can arise, such as anemia due to chronic bleeding, strangulation of internal piles, or the development of blood clots in external piles. Seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent complications.