Dilated veins in the anal canal
Symptoms of Piles
The following features are indicative of Piles:
- painless bleeding during bowel movements
- itching in the anal region
- discomfort
- pain
- swelling around the anus
- lump near the anus
It is possible that Piles shows no physical symptoms and still be present in a patient.
Common Causes of Piles
The following are the most common causes of Piles:
- straining during bowel movements
- sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
- constipation
- obesity
- anal intercourse
- low-fiber diet
Other Causes of Piles
The following are the less common causes of Piles:
Risk Factors for Piles
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Piles:
- higher prevalence among white race population
- commonly found in individuals with higher socioeconomic status
- constipation
- prolonged straining
- intake of spicy foods
- alcohol consumption
Prevention of Piles
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Piles. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
- eat high fiber diet
- not straining during bowel movements
- not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
- avoid regular heavy lifting
- drink plenty of fluids
Occurrence of Piles
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Piles cases seen each year worldwide:
- Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Piles most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Common Gender
Piles can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Piles
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Piles:
- Digital rectal exam: To view inside the anus and rectum
- Anoscopy: To view the lining of the anus and lower rectum
- Rigid proctosigmoidoscopy: To view the lining of the rectum and lower colon
Doctor for Diagnosis of Piles
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Piles:
- Gastroenterologist
- Rectal surgeon
Complications of Piles if untreated
Yes, Piles causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Piles is left untreated:
- anemia
- strangulated hemorrhoid
- blood clots in an external hemorrhoid
- skin tags
- infection of a sore on an external hemorrhoid
Procedures for Treatment of Piles
The following procedures are used to treat Piles:
- External hemorrhoid thrombectomy: To remove the clot with a simple incision and drainage and provides relief
- Rubber band ligation: Heals bleeding or painful hemorrhoids
- Sclerotherapy:To shrink the hemorrhoid tissue
- Coagulation technique: To treat painful hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoidectomy: To treat severe or recurring hemorrhoids by eliminating excessive tissue that causes bleeding
- Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: Inhibits blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue
Self-care for Piles
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Piles:
- Eat high-fiber foods: Softens the stool and increases its bulk
- Soak anal area in a warm bath or sitz bath: Relieves the pain and inflammation of hemorrhoids
- Keep the anal area clean: Helps in preventing hemorrhoids
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Piles
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Piles:
- Apply ice packs or cold compresses: Helps in relieving swelling
Time for Treatment of Piles
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Piles to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
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Last updated date
This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Piles.
