Do you feel swelling around the anus or a mass coming out when you pass motions along with bleeding or pain or discomfort? It could be due to haemorrhoids, which are swollen blood vessels in the anus. It’s highly common among people, and as much as 50% of adults over 50 have them.
Everyone has anal cushions, which are a normal aspect of anatomy; when they become swollen, they are called haemorrhoids. They are cushions of tissues and blood vessels near the anus. However, only when they cause symptoms do they become a problem that needs to be addressed. Continue reading to learn more about haemorrhoids, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
What are Haemorrhoids (Piles)?
Haemorrhoids are more commonly known as piles. It’s a condition where the blood vessels surrounding the anus or the lower portion of the rectum become inflamed. These swollen blood vessels may cause bleeding or pain in the rectal region. They are uncomfortable and itchy, impacting your daily life.
Many times, they get better on their own and may go away. However, if your piles are bleeding and disrupting your quality of life, it’s best to consult a doctor immediately and get the right treatment.
Types of Haemorrhoids
Based on where haemorrhoids are located, there are two types:
Internal haemorrhoids:
These develop inside the rectum and are often not seen in the initial stages. Prolapsed haemorrhoids can happen when these internal haemorrhoids protrude through the anus. Manual pushing back of these haemorrhoids may be needed and can be painful.
External haemorrhoids:
This is the most common type of haemorrhoids, and it develops under the skin surrounding the anus. You may feel it as a bulge around the anus. External haemorrhoids often get thrombosed when a blood clot forms inside the haemorrhoids. It can be very painful and needs proper medical attention.
Comparison of Symptoms
Internal Haemorrhoids Symptoms:
- Painless rectal bleeding during bowel movements
- Mucus discharge
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Prolapse through the anus in more advanced stages
External Haemorrhoids Symptoms:
- Pain and discomfort while sitting
- Visible swelling around the anus
- Itching or irritation in the anal area
- Hard lump due to a blood clot (thrombosed haemorrhoid)
Causes of Piles
Haemorrhoids are formed due to increased pressure in the lower rectum. These may include:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
- Prolonged sitting on the toilet
- Lifting heavy objects constantly
- Standing for long hours daily
- Family with a history of haemorrhoids
- Obesity
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Low-fiber diet
- Ageing, leading to weakening of the support tissues of the rectum
These factors cause the stretching, swelling, or bulging of the blood vessels in the anus and rectum.
Symptoms of Piles
Symptoms of haemorrhoids vary according to their kind. Some of the common symptoms of piles are:
- Itching
- Irritation
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Pain in the anal and surrounding region
- Feeling a lump in the anus
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
Mild haemorrhoids typically get better with slight lifestyle modifications:
Diet and Hydration
In mild cases, discomfort in the anal region may be experienced. By changing your diet, you can get some relief.
- Increase intake of foods that are high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink a sufficient quantity of water every day to keep the stool soft
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol since these are dehydrating
Warm Baths
Pain or itching in the anal region can be relieved by sitting in warm baths.
- Sit in warm water for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per day
- Soothing inflammation and irritation
Topical Treatments
These medications may be used topically to get relief from piles of pain and itching:
- Creams or ointments
- Pain-relieving gels
- Pads with soothing agents such as aloe vera
The use of such medications should be under a healthcare professional’s guidance, especially for long-term use.
Medical Treatment
Home treatment and remedies may not be enough if your symptoms are severe. For persistent or severe cases, a complete treatment package is provided at Chiraag Global:
- Infrared Coagulation (IRC): Makes use of infrared light to shrink internal haemorrhoids.
- Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty: A minimally invasive outpatient procedure involving controlled pain with laser energy to diminish haemorrhoids.
- DG-HAL (Doppler-guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation): Blocks blood supply to haemorrhoids with precision.
- Ultrasonic shears for excision of haemorrhoids – In hemorrhoidectomy, haemorrhoids are surgically removed with ultrasonic shears for transecting and sealing tissue. There is less pain and blood loss with this method. Also, the operative times are shorter, and patients can recover faster.
All procedures are performed by trained proctologists using modern equipment to ensure a high safety profile. The type of treatment for a patient is chosen based on their health conditions and the severity of the problem.
Ayurvedic Care at Chiraayu (Chiraag’s Ayurvedic Wing)
Beyond conventional methods of treating haemorrhoids, the Chiraayu wing at Chirag Global Hospitals offers a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach. This involves personalised care with minimally invasive procedures to get relief from piles and reduce the chances of recurrence:
- Kshara Karma: Application of an alkaline paste to cauterise haemorrhoids
- Medication: Formulas to regulate bowel movements and reduce inflammation
- Panchakarma Therapies: Depending on the stage of the piles, a suitable basti is given.
- Diet and Lifestyle Plans: Diet modifications, including suvarna gedde, tender radish, green leafy vegetables, ash gourd, carrot buttermilk, and ghee (in moderation) may be needed. However, the diet must be tailored to individual constitution and symptoms,
- Yoga and Pelvic Exercises: To improve circulation and prevent recurrence
When to Seek Medical Advice
Consult a physician if the following
- The bleeding is excessive and/or persistent
- There are unbearable pains or swelling
- Symptoms are ineffective in in-home management
- A lump does not decrease or worsen
- Faecal leakage or prolapse occurs
Complications such as blood loss can happen when you have inflamed and vascular haemorrhoids. It may also be an indication of a more serious disease, like cancer or ulcers. Also, when blood clots form inside haemorrhoids, and they become thrombosed, surgery may be the only available treatment option.
Often, people feel shy about discussing pain and discomfort in the anal region. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment can help avoid piles surgeries later. It’s important to remember that haemorrhoids can recur after you have recovered from piles surgery. So, you must make modifications to your lifestyle to prevent the further development of piles.
How You Can Treat or Prevent Piles
To minimise your chances of developing piles, do the following:
- Eat a fibre-rich diet
- Drink a sufficient quantity of fluids during the day, as and when you feel thirsty
- Exercise regulator for better bowel function
- Avoid lengthy sitting or straining
- Don’t delay bowel movement and go to the bathroom as and when you feel like going.
Conclusion
Haemorrhoids are common but treatable. The complete approach offered by Chiraag Global Hospitals includes modern surgical approaches and minimally invasive techniques. Ayurvedic doctors offer holistic treatments and medications via Chiraayu, personalised treatment with lifestyle modifications, and continuous support to ensure that patients get lasting relief while preventing recurrences.
