‘Hemorrhoids’ is the medical term for the condition more commonly known as Piles. They are a mass of swollen rectal or anal blood vessels. These veins are situated in the lower part of the anus and rectum. Hemorrhoids are of two types:
- Internal
- External
Internal hemorrhoids lie deep inside the rectum and are not normally visible to the naked eye. They don’t usually hurt, but their presence is marked with the symptom of bleeding through the anus.
External hemorrhoids get formed in the anal region and create discomfort. When an external hemorrhoid protrudes through the anus, it can be seen and felt. Sometimes blood clots can form within the mass that slips down; it can be extremely painful.
Causes for formation of hemorrhoids
- Diet: This is the primary reason for the formation of hemorrhoids. Low fiber diets, highly processed foods and inadequate intake of water can all cause piles.
- Elderly people and pregnant women are, in general, likely to develop hemorrhoids.
- A family history of weak rectal veins may be another cause.
- Excessive abdominal pressure due to obesity, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, coughing, straining on the toilet, holding on to your breath during labor, vomiting and sneezing can all cause hemorrhoids.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids
- Bright red bleeding from the anus: blood may streak the toilet paper or bowel movement
- Swollen, painful lump near the anus
- Itching
- Pain and tenderness during bowel movements
- Mucus discharge
Treatment Options
Topical creams, ointments and suppositories
Sitting in warm water or sitz bath: A bathtub shaped like a chair in which one bathes in a sitting position, immersing only the hips and buttocks.
Painkillers
Sclerotherapy Injections: An internal haemorrhoid can be injected with a solution that creates a scar and closes off the haemorrhoid. The injection will only hurt a little.
Banding: A special tool secures a tiny rubber band around the haemorrhoid, shutting off its blood supply almost instantly. Within a week, the haemorrhoid shrivels and falls off.
Coagulation: Using either an electric probe, a laser beam, or an infrared light, a tiny burn painlessly seals the end of the haemorrhoid, causing it to close off and shrink.
Surgery: For large internal haemorrhoids or extremely uncomfortable external haemorrhoids, your doctor may choose traditional surgery, called haemorrhoidectomy.
Trust experienced Proctologists at Kauvery to correctly diagnose and treat your rectal health issues. If you have symptoms like rectal itching, pain, bleeding or any other unusual symptoms, don’t waste precious time waiting. Uranus – Bottom Clinic offers treatment for a wide variety of health problems like piles, fissures, fistulas, tumours.
