Piles (Haemorrhoids): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Cost

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They can be internal (inside the anus) or external (outside the anus). Piles are common and can affect people of all ages.

Piles look like round, small and discoloured lumps, which a person can feel on his/her anus or protrude from the anal canal. The anal canal is the short yet muscular tube consisting of blood vessels that work as a bridge between the rectum and the anus.

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of piles, including constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy, aging, anal intercourse, chronic cough, and obstructive defecation.

Piles are generally not a serious medical condition and can often be treated with over-the-counter creams and ointments, warm water baths, and dietary changes. However, in some cases, more aggressive treatment, such as surgery, may be necessary.

Piles is a very common condition but the symptoms of the condition are not always apparent. A study in the United States suggests that about half of people above the age of 50 years experience noticeable symptoms of hemorrhoids.

The signs and symptoms of piles depend upon its type. There are three types of hemorrhoids. Please have a look:

As already explained, piles don't always cause pain or symptoms, but the signs may include:

1. Bleeding while pooping.
2. Lump inside or around the anal region.
3. A smelly discharge of mucus from the anus, leaving a stain on your underwear.
4. Constant feeling of fullness and discomfort in the anus.
5. Feeling of incomplete evacuation of bowel after you have been to the toilet.
6. Severe itch or sore skin around your anus
7. Pain or discomfort after going to toilet
8. Infection
9. Fecal incontinence

The symptoms of piles in males and the symptoms of piles in females are very similar. These symptoms can vary from person to person. Internal piles symptoms and external piles symptoms are also very similar to each other. To understand your condition better, you should see a doctor once you experience any early symptoms of piles or haemorrhoids.

Moreover, these symptoms can also arise due to inflammatory bowel disease, anal fissures (tear), anal cancer and bowel cancer. If you are experiencing any of the above-discussed symptoms, you should immediately see your doctor to figure out the actual problem.

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that can cause discomfort and bleeding. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of piles, including :-

• Constipation: Straining to have a bowel movement can put extra pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, leading to the development of piles.
• Diarrhea: Frequent diarrhea can also cause irritation and inflammation of the veins in the anus and rectum.
• Pregnancy: The increase in hormone levels and pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum during pregnancy can lead to the development of piles.
• Aging: As people age, the muscles that support the veins in the anus and rectum can weaken, increasing the risk of piles.
• Anal intercourse: Engaging in anal intercourse can cause irritation and inflammation of the veins in the anus and rectum, leading to the development of piles.
• Chronic cough: Chronic coughing can put extra pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, increasing the risk of piles.
• Obstructive defecation: Obstructive defecation, a condition in which the muscles used to have a bowel movement do not work properly, can also increase the risk of piles.

There are multiple ways to reduce the chances of developing piles. With some lifestyle changes, anyone can avoid developing this discomforting and embarrassing disease.

Here are some of the ways to reduce the chances of developing piles or hemorrhoids:

• Eating healthy:People who try to stay hydrated and consume fiber-rich diets tend not to develop piles as it helps them in softening the stools and making its passage easier.
• Avoid straining while pooping: Some people tend to put a lot of strain while pooping which results in development of piles in most of them.
• Avoid heavy weight lifting: People who lift heavy weights regularly are also more prone to developing piles. You can prevent this problem by lifting moderately heavy things using a proper lifting technique.
• Maintain healthy body weight: People should maintain a healthy body weight which reduces the chances of developing piles.
• Follow an active lifestyle: Regular exercising aids in food passage through the digestive system and makes your bowel movements regular. This practice largely reduces the chances of hemorrhoids.

There are several ways in which hemorrhoids can be diagnosed, including:

• Physical examination: Your doctor may examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen veins or other signs of hemorrhoids. They may also perform a digital rectal examination, during which they will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities.
• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a small, lighted instrument called an anoscope to examine the anus and lower rectum. This procedure can help to identify the presence and location of hemorrhoids.
• Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy: These are procedures in which a doctor uses a flexible, lighted tube with a camera on the end (sigmoidoscope or colonoscope) to examine the inside of the rectum and colon. These procedures can help to identify the presence and location of hemorrhoids and rule out other possible causes of rectal bleeding or discomfort.
• Digital rectal exam (DRE): A digital rectal examination (DRE) is a procedure in which a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities. A DRE is sometimes used as part of the diagnostic process for piles, also known as hemorrhoids.

Have a look at the questions your doctor may ask you to come to a conclusion:

• Did any of your close relatives have piles?
• Did you see some blood or mucus in your stool?
• Have you experienced any unexpected weight loss?
• Are you experiencing any changes in your bowel movements?
• What is the colour of your stool?

Generally, there is nothing noticeable in people who are suffering from hemorrhoids. It happens because more of the people suffer from internal piles which occurs inside your anal canal and rectum and do not hang out of your bottom.

On the other hand, larger internal piles protrude out of your bottom where they appear like a discolored rubbery lump. An external pile looks like a mushy lump right at the end of your anus.

The patients suffering from small internal piles do not feel any pain. Larger piles, on the other hand, may cause a mucus discharge, pain, itch and irritation. The discharge can also cause a lot of irritation on the skin surrounding the anus. The patient may also feel fullness in the anus, or not feeling fully emptied after going to the toilet.

While piles are generally not a serious medical condition, there are some possible complications that can occur. These include:

• Anemia: Severe bleeding from piles can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to function properly. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids: In some cases, a blood clot can form in hemorrhoid, causing it to become painful and swollen. This is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Thrombosed hemorrhoids may need to be treated with surgery to remove the clot.
• Strangulated hemorrhoids: If a prolapsed (protruding) hemorrhoid becomes trapped outside the anus, it can cut off the blood supply, causing it to become strangulated. Strangulated hemorrhoids may require surgical intervention.
• Anal fissures: Piles can sometimes cause small tears in the skin around the anus, known as anal fissures. Anal fissures can be painful and may require treatment with medication or surgery.

You must be wondering, how to cure piles? Piles is treatable at home, through operation or surgery, through medicines, ayurvedic medicines and laser treatment too. Have a look at some of them:

Surgery is the best and most sure-shot method of hemorrhoid removal. Instead of suffering through the pain and embarrassment of excruciating pain, discomfort, and mucus discharge, doctors recommend going straight for piles surgery.

Hemorrhoidectomy, which is an open surgery, has been a very popular procedure that helps in the complete removal of external and prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. People, however, try to avoid this method as doctors need to make a significant cut in this procedure.

On the other hand, Laser Piles Surgery requires a way smaller incision, less downtime, and amazing results.

In laser surgery for hemorrhoids, doctors use high-energy light to cut or burn the infected tissue during the piles operation. With the advancements in laser technology, this procedure has become extremely safe, scar-free, bloodless and less painful. Moreover, it hardly causes any complications.

There are several surgical options for the treatment of piles, also known as haemorrhoids. Some common surgical treatments for piles include:

• Hemorrhoidectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids. It can be done using local anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia, depending on the preference of the surgeon and the patient. Hemorrhoidectomy is typically reserved for severe cases of piles that do not respond to other forms of treatment.
• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: Also known as a procedure for prolapsing hemorrhoids (PPH), this is a less invasive surgical option for the treatment of piles. It involves the use of a special stapling device to lift and reposition the swollen veins in the anus and rectum.
• Laser or infrared coagulation: These procedures use laser or infrared energy to seal off the blood supply to the hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink. These procedures are typically done on an outpatient basis and may be less painful than other surgical options.
• Sclerotherapy: This procedure involves the injection of a chemical solution into the tissue around the hemorrhoids. The solution causes the veins to scar and shrink, reducing the size of the hemorrhoids.

Some dietary recommendations for managing hemorrhoids include:

• Increasing your intake of fiber: Eating a diet high in fiber can help to soften stools and reduce constipation, which can be a contributing factor to hemorrhoids. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to keep stools soft and reduce the risk of constipation. Aim for at least 8-8 ounces of water per day.
• Avoiding spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the lining of the anus and rectum, which can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine: These substances can contribute to dehydration, which can lead to constipation and worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals: Large, heavy meals can put added pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, which can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help to reduce this pressure.

As we have already mentioned, fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods are the best options to eat in hemorrhoids. Have a look at your options:

• Soluble and Insoluble fiber
• 8-10 large glasses of water
• Beans
• Lentils
• Nuts
• Grains
• Fruits and vegetables

There are several foods and beverages that may worsen hemorrhoid symptoms and should be avoided or limited if you have hemorrhoids:

• Spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the lining of the anus and rectum, which can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
• Alcohol and caffeine: These substances can contribute to dehydration, which can lead to constipation and worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
• Processed, high-fat foods: These foods can be difficult to digest and can contribute to constipation, which can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
• Dairy products: Some people find that dairy products, such as milk and cheese, can worsen hemorrhoid symptoms due to their potential to cause constipation or diarrhea.
• Carbonated drinks: These drinks can cause gas and bloating, which can put added pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum and worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

Apart from these, you also have to watch your salt intake and discuss it with your doctor before taking any iron supplements as they can cause constipation and other digestive issues.

There are several types of doctors who can help with the diagnosis and treatment of piles, including:

• General practitioner (GP): Your GP is a good place to start if you have any concerns about your health. They can assess your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and recommend treatment or refer you to a specialist if necessary.
• Colorectal surgeon: A colorectal surgeon is a specialist who is trained in the treatment of conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus, including piles. They can provide more specialized care and may recommend surgical treatment if necessary.
• Gastroenterologist: A gastroenterologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the digestive system, including the rectum and anus. They may be able to provide treatment for piles or refer you to a colorectal surgeon for further care.

With the presence of a lot of quacks out there who claim to cure piles with the weirdest methods possible, it becomes very critical to find the best doctor to actually solve your problem.

Being an anorectal disease, Piles needs specialised treatment. The best specialists to treat this problem are either Practologists or General Surgeons. There are a few things you must check before choosing the doctor for piles treatment. Have a look:

• Doctor's Certification: It is important to know that the doctor you are going for treatment has a valid certification from a recognised Medical College and a license to practice from Medical Licensing Board. A proctologist is a specialist in treating problems related to anus, colon and rectum. A General Surgeon must have a degree of Masters in Surgery to carry out the operation.
• Skills and Experience: As already discussed, there are a lot of treatment options available for hemorrhoids. Hence, you have to check for the doctors who have good experience in most advanced laser-assisted surgery. This type of surgery gives you the edge over other modes of treatment as it is very quick and has the least amount of downtime.
• Reviews: You should also check for the reviews from the previous patients who took treatment from the particular doctor. This way you will be able to know about his treatment prowess as well as behaviour with the patients and the attendants.
• Hospital and Clinic Information: All the doctors either work at a hospital, a clinic or both. The reputation of a hospital or clinic in treating a particular disease is directly proportional to the reputation of a doctor. Therefore, knowing about the credentials of a doctor can give you a fair understanding about the doctor's practice as well.
• Clear Your Doubts: Before going for a treatment, you must see if you are comfortable enough in sharing your medical history with the doctor. You should also see if the doctor is able to clear your queries, and has explained all the risks and complications that may or may not arise because of the surgery.

If your doctor passes all these criterias, you should go ahead with the treatment. If you are wondering about how to find all this information, you can directly come to Pristyn Care and find out every single detail about the doctor and his prowess in treating piles.

Piles or Hemorrhoids have various stages and every stage has a different time frame for recovery. In some cases of small flare-ups, it may even disappear on its own, but in several cases of large external hemorrhoids, it may require more time to heal properly with conventional methods. Surgery, on the other hand, can fix this problem in a very quick time.

The treatment cost for piles or hemorrhoids depends upon various factors. For conventional methods of treatment, a patient may suffer for long but the price would not be very high. On the other hand, if you go for surgery, your suffering will go away within a day but the price would be higher.

To fill this gap in the pricing, Pristyn Care has on-boarded some of the finest surgeons in the country to provide these surgeries at a very affordable price. Basically, the cost of treatment varies from place to place and condition to condition. In India, the surgery cost for piles ranges from Rs 40,000 to Rs 55,000.

Pristyn Care has partnered with more than 400 doctors in over 40 cities across India to provide piles surgery at affordable prices. All you have to do is to come on the website and submit a query. Everything else will be taken care of by the representatives of the organisation.

Home remedies and other conventional methods of piles treatment only subside the symptoms and never cure the problem permanently. A slight alteration in the doctor-recommended lifestyle can reignite the problem.

Laser surgery, on the other hand, is completely safe, fast and provides permanent results. It just takes three days or less to completely get rid of the embarrassing problem forever. Laser surgery is a daycare procedure in which the surgeon treats the affected area with laser energy. It fixes the problem in a few minutes and the patient can go home healed and conscious within a few hours on the surgery. Moreover, laser surgery does not cause any risk of infection.

Apart from being pain-free, there are negligible chances of recurrence of the disease after a laser treatment.

Patients who are passing black stool associated with a lot of pain should immediately book an appointment with the doctor for surgery. Furthermore, people who are facing difficulty in passing stool or have already been diagnosed with internal or external piles can go for surgery.

People who recently had colorectal surgery can not go through with piles surgery. Plus, people who have early stage piles, which can be treated with medications, are also not advised to go ahead with surgery.

After the laser surgery, the patient may experience a few drops of blood on stool or on the wipe tissue paper. It is completely normal during the recovery from piles. You may also experience some discharge containing mucous for a few days post surgery. It may stain your undergarments. All you need to do is to take care of some of the instructions mentioned below:

• Keep anal area clean and dry
• Take shower or sitz bath after each bowel movement
• Use wet tissues to wipe your bottom
• Avoid excessive wiping
• Wear adult diapers or sanitary napkins
• Do not indulge in hard physical activities for a few days
• Do not lift or pull weights for at least two weeks
• Go on short walks
• Eat fiber-rich foods
• Drink plenty of water
• Cut down on junk, spicy and oily foods for a few days

Laser piles surgery is one of the safest and the most successful modes of treatment available in the industry right now. If we talk about its drawbacks or side-effects, the only problem it may cause is a burning sensation which disappears gradually, and very rarely, it may lead to external skin tag thrombosis.

Piles is a very discomforting, painful and embarrassing disease. It may not be life threatening but surely throws your normal life out of the window. A few years ago, with no advanced technologies, people were forced to suffer through this disease as they had to depend upon conventional methods of treatment. Now, with the introduction of laser treatment, no one has to tolerate it as apart from being extremely successful, it is also very cost effective.