Who is piles

External hemorrhoids may cause pain. Hemorrhoids HEM-uh-roids , also called piles, are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins.

Hemorrhoids can develop inside the rectum internal hemorrhoids or under the skin around the anus external hemorrhoids. Nearly three out of four adults will have hemorrhoids from time to time. Hemorrhoids have a number of causes, but often the cause is unknown. Fortunately, effective options are available to treat hemorrhoids. Many people get relief with home treatments and lifestyle changes. Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum.

You usually can't see or feel them, and they rarely cause discomfort. But straining or irritation when passing stool can cause:. If you have bleeding during bowel movements or you have hemorrhoids that don't improve after a week of home care, talk to your doctor. Don't assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, especially if you have changes in bowel habits or if your stools change in color or consistency.

Rectal bleeding can occur with other diseases, including colorectal cancer and anal cancer. Seek emergency care if you have large amounts of rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, dizziness or faintness. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Subscribe for free and receive your in-depth guide to digestive health, plus the latest on health innovations and news. You can unsubscribe at any time.

If you think that you may have piles, or have bleeding or pain from your back passage anal canal , you should visit your doctor.

Piles are usually diagnosed after your doctor asks you questions about your symptoms and performs a physical examination. The examination usually includes an examination of your back passage. Wearing gloves and using a lubricant, your doctor will examine your back passage with their finger to look for any signs of piles or other abnormalities.

Your doctor may suggest a further examination called a proctoscopy. In this procedure, the inside of your back passage is examined using an instrument called a proctoscope. You may be referred to a specialist for more detailed bowel examination colonoscopy to help rule out other conditions. Various preparations and brands are commonly used for piles treatment.

They do not cure piles. However, they may ease symptoms such as discomfort and itch. These measures will often ease piles symptoms such as bleeding and discomfort. It may be all that you need to treat small and non-prolapsing piles grade 1. Small grade 1 piles often settle down over time.

See the separate leaflets called Constipation , Constipation in Children and Fibre and Fibre Supplements for more information. Banding treatment Banding is the most commonly used piles treatment, especially for grade 2 and 3 piles.

It may also be done to treat grade 1 piles which have not settled with the simple advice and treatment outlined above. This procedure is usually done by a surgeon in an outpatient clinic. A haemorrhoid is grasped by the surgeon with forceps or a suction device. A rubber band is then placed at the base of the haemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply to the haemorrhoid which then dies and drops off after a few days.

The tissue at the base of the haemorrhoid heals with some scar tissue. Banding of internal piles is usually painless, as the base of the haemorrhoid originates above the anal opening in the very last part of the gut where the gut lining is not sensitive to pain. In about 8 in 10 cases, the piles are cured by this technique. In about 2 in 10 cases, the piles come back at some stage. However, you can have a further banding treatment if this occurs.

Piles are less likely to come back after banding if you do not become constipated and do not strain on the toilet as described above. A small number of people have complications following banding, such as bleeding, infection or ulcers forming at the site of a treated haemorrhoid, or urinary problems. Injection sclerotherapy Phenol in oil is injected into the tissues at the base of the piles.

This causes a scarring fibrotic reaction which obliterates the blood vessels going to the piles. 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.

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

Several medicinal options are available to make symptoms more manageable for an individual with piles. Over-the-counter OTC medications: These are available over-the counter or online. Medications include painkillers, ointments, creams, and pads, and can help soothe redness and swelling around the anus. OTC remedies do not cure piles but can help the symptoms.

Do not use them for more than 7 days in a row, as they can cause further irritation of the area and thinning of the skin. Do not use two or more medications at the same time unless advised to by a medical professional.

Corticosteroids : These can reduce inflammation and pain. Laxatives : The doctor may prescribe laxatives if a person with piles suffers from constipation. These can help the person pass stools more easily and reduce pressure on the lower colon. Around 1 in 10 people with piles will end up needing surgery.

You may get hemorrhoids if you: Often strain during bowel movements Are pregnant Have a family history of hemorrhoids Are older Have long-term or chronic constipation or diarrhea Who is at risk for hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are very common. Most people will have a hemorrhoid at some time in their life. You are more likely to get hemorrhoids if you: Are pregnant Sit on the toilet for too long Are obese Do things that make you strain more, such as heavy lifting Have a family history of hemorrhoids Have long-term or chronic constipation or diarrhea Are between 45 and 65 years old What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Each person's symptoms may vary. Some of the most common symptoms include: Bright red blood in your stool, on toilet paper, or in your toilet bowl Pain and irritation around your anus Swelling or a hard lump around your anus Itching Hemorrhoid symptoms may look like other health problems. How are hemorrhoids diagnosed? To see if you have hemorrhoids, your healthcare provider may do several tests including: Physical exam.

This is done to check your anus and rectum and look for swollen blood vessels that are a sign of hemorrhoids. Digital rectum examination DRE. Your healthcare provider inserts a gloved, greased lubricated finger into your rectum to check for any problems. A hollow, lighted tube is put into your anus. This is used to see internal hemorrhoids. A lighted tube is put into your anus. This gives a view of your entire rectum.

This test checks the inside of part of your large intestine. It helps to tell what is causing diarrhea, belly pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding. A short, flexible, lighted tube sigmoidoscope is put into your intestine through the rectum. This tube blows air into your intestine to make it swell. This makes it easier to see inside. A tissue sample biopsy can be taken if needed. This test looks at the full length of your large intestine.

It can help check for any abnormal growths, tissue that is red or swollen, sores ulcers , or bleeding.