Haemorrhoids

Piles Treatment in Chembur, Mumbai

Introduction

Hemorrhoids are also called piles are one of the most widespread causes of rectal bleeding. In this condition, the veins in the lowest section of your anus and rectum swell or bulge. Increased pressure during bowel movements stretches the rectal/anal walls severely, causing inflammation. You can get relief from hemorrhoids through changes in your diet and lifestyle.

What are the Types of Haemorrhoids?

• Internal hemorrhoids: This type of hemorrhoids develops deep inside the rectum and are not visible. There are hardly a few pain-sensing nerves here, so you do not feel any pain. However, while passing stool, if you strain, it can cause inflammation.
• External hemorrhoids: These hemorrhoids grow in the area around your anus, under the skin. There are several pain-sensing nerves in this area. So, you will experience pain.
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids: If blood collates in external hemorrhoids, they grow into painful clots.

What are the Symptoms Associated with Haemorrhoids?

The symptoms you experience depend on the type of hemorrhoids you are suffering from. 

• Internal hemorrhoids:
  • You might notice painless bleeding during bowel movements.
  • If there is a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid, you might feel it pushing through your anal opening when you pass the stool. It can result in extreme pain and irritation. 
• External hemorrhoids:
  • Pain and discomfort near your anus.
  • Itching in your anal area.
  • Bleeding.
  • Swelling.
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids:
  • Swelling in the anal area.
  • Severe pain.
  • Inflammation.
  • A hard lump close to your anus.

What Can be the Causes of Haemorrhoids?

The following can cause hemorrhoids:

• Excessive strain during bowel movements.
• When the growing uterus pressurizes the veins during pregnancy.
• Sitting for long periods on the toilet.
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation.
• Anal intercourse.
• Diet lacking in fiber-rich food.
• Lifting heavy weights regularly.
• Being in a job that requires sitting or standing for long hours.

When Should You Consult the Doctor?

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your anal area or bleeding while passing stool, you should immediately take medical consultation.

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How are Haemorrhoids Diagnosed?

To detect the presence of hemorrhoids, your doctor enquires about your medical history and the symptoms that you are experiencing. The diagnostic methods are: 

• Physical examination: Your doctor examines your anus and rectum and the surrounding areas to check for lumps, swelling, inflammation, or other problems.
• Digital rectal evaluation: For this, your doctor puts on gloves and applies a lubricating gel. Then, he or she inserts a finger to examine the muscles of your rectum. This aids in finding any tenderness or irritation as well as if there are any lumps. 

However, if the hemorrhoids are located deep inside the skin, the above methods might not be helpful. To find out if you have this issue or rule out other health issues, your doctor might want to conduct some detailed tests, including:

• Anoscopy: The doctor uses a small plastic tube called an anoscope to examine your anal canal.
• Colonoscopy: The doctor uses a long and flexible instrument called a colonoscope to check your large intestine. Colonoscopy also aids in collecting tissue samples.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Your doctor inspects your lower colon using a flexible, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope. They can also use it to take tissue samples.

What are the Risk Factors?

• Family history
• Obesity
• Age: With increasing age, the tissues supporting the veins of your anus and rectum become fragile.

How to Prevent Haemorrhoids?

The best way to avoid the occurrence of this issue is to keep your stools soft. 

• Do not wait to pass the stool to make the pressure go away; it can lead to harder stools.
• Stay physically active.
• Start taking a fiber-rich diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

What are the Treatment Methods?

The following procedures are common for treating hemorrhoids:

• Rubber band ligation: By placing a rubber band around the hemorrhoid, your doctor stops blood circulation to it, causing it to eventually shrink.
• Sclerotherapy or injection therapy: Your doctor injects a chemical directly into the hemorrhoid to shrink it.
• Coagulation therapy: Also called infrared photocoagulation, this therapy uses infrared light, extreme heat, or cold for treating hemorrhoids. 
• Hemorrhoidectomy: It helps to remove prolapsed internal hemorrhoids or big external hemorrhoids.
• Hemorrhoid stapling: This method uses a stapling instrument to remove internal hemorrhoids. It can also pull and hold a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid inside the anus.
• Haemorrhoidal artery ligation: It finds the defective blood vessels using ultrasound and closes them. 

A doctor will be able to determine which of the above is the correct one for you. So,

request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 1066 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

Anyone can suffer from hemorrhoids as it is a commonly occurring health problem. The symptoms improve with proper diet and exercise. However, if your condition does not improve, do not feel embarrassed to consult a doctor.

References

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-basics

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids