Piles in Children - Common Causes, Symptoms, and Solution

Piles, commonly known as Hemorrhoids, refer to inflammation and swelling of the rectal veins. Itching, bloody stools, and discomfort during bowel movements are common among those people who have piles. Hemorrhoids are common among adults; however, they can affect children as well. Piles are caused mostly by constipation and struggling during bowel movements. Piles can become worse if left untreated. When piles worsen, surgery is the only option to be sought.

Can piles occur in children?

Yes, piles can occur in children, but rarely. Piles are quite common in adults; however, infants can also develop piles. Children who are malnourished face constipation which eventually leads to anal fissures and piles. Parents should make sure that their child includes enough fiber content in his diet and remains hydrated. 

Causes for piles

Underlying causes for piles in children have to be analyzed for early treatment and to avoid other complications. While the exact cause of piles in children is not fully understood, some factors that may contribute to their development include:

• Straining during bowel movement: It refers to the discomfort and effort required to pass stool, indicating that the bowel movement is difficult or constipated. Regular or extended straining during bowel movements may enlarge the veins in the rectum and anus, resulting in swelling and inflammation.

• Constipation: Constipation refers to infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often accompanied by a sense of incomplete evacuation. Passing hardened stools frequently might cause severe complications. It leads to straining and increased pressure on the rectal veins, causing them to get inflamed.

• Chronic diarrhea: Diarrhea can cause irritation and inflammation in the rectum, which can lead to piles. Prolonged diarrhea can weaken the child, and the child has to be rehydrated regularly. 

• Anal fissures: A tear in the anal skin is called anal fissures. It usually causes difficulty in passing stools, which paves the way to the formation of piles.

• Lack of fiber in diet: Bowel movements of malnourished children are intervened by a low-fiber diet—constipationresults from the formation of hardened stools in the diet due to a lack of fiber. Eventually, piles develop from constipation.

Symptoms of piles

There are various symptoms of piles that have to be observed. Symptoms of piles in children are mentioned below:

• Bleeding during bowel movements: One of the most common symptoms is bleeding during bowel movements. Bright red blood typically indicates bleeding closer to the anus, while darker red or maroon blood may indicate bleeding further up in the digestive tract.

• Itching or irritation around the anus: It is a serious indication of piles that shouldn't be disregarded. If the itching doesn't go away or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain or bleeding, you should see a doctor.

• Pain or discomfort during bowel movements: Abdominal cramps, bloating, and a sense of incomplete bowel emptying are possible symptoms of this discomfort. Hard and dry stools can also cause straining and even bleeding when having a bowel movement, which can make discomfort worse.

• Mucus discharge from the anus: Mucus discharges from the anus are common in children and can be a sign of several underlying conditions. The most frequent causes of it are infections, constipation, and diarrhea because they can irritate or inflame the rectum.

• Swelling or lumps around the anus: Hemorrhoids and rectum inflammation are causes of swelling that are frequently encountered. When the child sits down, this may make them agitated and uncomfortable.

• Constipation or difficulty passing stools: The majority of people experience this common digestive problem. When it comes to piles, though, this condition is severe. If your constipation is severe or persistent, you may need to see a doctor.

• Frequent urination due to irritation around the anus: In rare cases, hemorrhoids may cause urinary frequency due to irritation and inflammation in the anal area, leading to increased urination and a frequent need to empty the bladder. 

Home remedies for piles 

Piles can be treated at home as well. However, it is essential to note that home remedies for piles are only to manage the symptoms, and appropriate treatment is required to cure the condition completely: 

• Witch hazel: It is the most sought remedy that helps reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. A cotton pad is soaked in the witch hazel and applied to the affected areas.

• Cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Wrap an ice pack or frozen peas in a towel and apply it to the area for 10-15 minutes, several times a day.

• Sitz baths: Soaking the affected area in warm water can help promote healing and reduce inflammation. Fill a bathtub with warm water and sit in it for 10-15 minutes several times a day.

Some common treatment procedures for piles

Hemorrhoids in adults may require surgery in worse cases; however, in children, the piles go away on their own or turn into a harmless skin tag. If the hemorrhoids are due to constipation, the doctor might recommend the following: 

• Limit the time your toddler spends on the toilet after having a bowel movement. It adjusts the unintentional strain on the anus. 

• Change the diet and incorporate fiber-rich food in your baby's diet, as it will help relieve constipation and soften the stool. 

• The doctor may recommend laxatives to provide relief from constipation and enemas, which are injections of fluid in the rectum to loosen the stool. 

• Sometimes, the doctor may even give over-the-counter skin ointments to ease haemorrhoid symptoms.

Prevention Tips 

Preventing piles is way better than dealing with painful piles and, sometimes, undergoing surgery to remove piles. To prevent and manage piles in children, it is essential to:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fiber: To avoid digestive problems and to have good digestion, it is essential to have a diet rich in fiber. Although our bodies are unable to digest fiber, it contributes bulk to our stool and encourages regular bowel movements, which helps to maintain a healthy digestive system.

• Encourage regular bowel movements: Constipation can be avoided by frequent bowel movements, which can lead to bloating, pain, and other digestive issues. Having high-fibre-rich food, keeping yourself hydrated, and exercising frequently will help in regulating bowel movements.

• Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, being dehydrated can also cause constipation. Drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated and prevent inflammation of the rectum.

Wrapping up,

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are formed due to severe inflammation of the rectum. They occur due to increased pressure on the rectum during the bowel movements. Home remedies, like Applying tea tree oil around the anus, can relieve a few symptoms.

However, if it shouldn't be taken lightly, it is essential to consult a doctor if your child happens to develop piles. You can schedule an appointment with Apollo Spectra doctors, who are child-friendly doctors who will create a comfortable environment for your baby and diagnose the problem effectively. With our emphasis on conservative treatments, our doctors will tailor the treatment as per the severity of hemorrhoids or the cause behind them.