Bhanu Garg in Health

What doctor to see for hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are a very common condition—roughly half of all adults will have hemorrhoids at least once by 50. They can affect anyone of any gender or age, although they are more prevalent in elderly persons, pregnant women, those with GI disorders, and those with a family history of recurrent hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids form when the veins in your anus and rectum swell. They can occur both internally (within the rectum) and externally (around the anus). Because the anus is delicate, sitting or pooping may be very painful – especially if clotting develops. Hemorrhoids are common, and there are risk factors and pleasant techniques to treat them. GI specialists want you to know everything there is to know about your digestive system!

What are the types of piles (Hemorrhoids)?

Depending on the area hemorrhoids occur, they can be divided into two categories.

External piles – External hemorrhoids develop right below the anal sphincter outside the anal canal (the muscle band at the bowel’s exit that helps retain the feces until ready to go to the toilet).
Internal piles – When piles form inside the anal tube in the rectum, the bottom section of the big bowel above the anal sphincter. Internal piles might swell to the point that they emerge from the anus.
Prolapsed – Both internal and external hemorrhoids are prone to prolapse, which means they can expand and protrude outside of the anus (abdominal cavity). This type of hemorrhoid may bleed or cause discomfort.

Piles are quite frequent and, most of the time, don’t require any treatment. Approximately half of the population will develop piles at some point in their life. All age groups are impacted; however, piles often appear in the mid-teens and grow more frequently as one gets older.

What are the causes of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids may occur to anyone, and while constipation and pregnancy are common causes, they are not the only ones. Although the specific process is unknown, there is a link between increased pressure on the region and tissue weakening, which contributes to the formation of the enlarged veins that form hemorrhoids. The following factors can cause hemorrhoids:

Constipation – Chronic constipation might cause you to strain, but even when you do pass stools, they can be exceedingly hard and dehydrated, placing pressure on your anus’s delicate tissues.
Severe straining – The motion of straining hard on the toilet might induce anal pressure.
Obesity – Obesity and sitting for long periods is a risk factor for hemorrhoids because it puts extra pressure on the anus.
Aging – As you become older, the tissues that maintain the blood flow to the anus weaken and stretch, leaving you more prone to hemorrhoids.
Pregnancy – As the pregnancy advances, the baby’s weight puts pressure on the anal area, increasing the likelihood of hemorrhoids.

Many of these risk factors can be reduced by drinking lots of water, exercising, and eating a healthy, fiber-rich diet.

What are the symptoms of piles?

The symptoms of piles are usually not significant. They normally resolve on their own within a few days. The following are the few common indications of piles:

A painful lump may be felt around the anus. It might have congealed blood in it.
After passing a stool, a person suffering from piles may get the feeling that their bowels are still full.
After a bowel movement, bright crimson blood is seen.
Itchy, reddish, and painful skin surrounds the anus.
During the passage of a stool, pain occurs.

Piles can quickly become a serious problem. This can include things like:

Anemia may be caused by significant anal hemorrhage.
infection
The inability to regulate bowel motions is known as fecal incontinence.
A new channel is developed between the skin’s surface near the anus and the interior of the anus in an anal fistula.

A serious complication of hemorrhoids is when a hemorrhoid’s blood supply is cut off, resulting in issues such as infection or a blood clot.

What is the duration of hemorrhoids?

The duration of hemorrhoids varies from person to person. Usually, Small hemorrhoids will go away on their own in a few days. Larger hemorrhoids, especially those that cause a lot of discomfort, swelling, and irritation, won’t go away on their own and may need to be treated by a doctor. Hemorrhoids in pregnant women may disappear only after giving birth.

Hemorrhoids may reappear after they have been treated. If you have hemorrhoids that won’t go away or keep returning, a gastroenterologist can help you find the best suitable treatments.

Who to consult with hemorrhoids?

In most cases, a general physician may identify and treat piles. If your symptoms are severe, you can consult or visit a proctologist, colorectal surgeon, or gastroenterologist. Specialized specialists can give advanced hemorrhoid treatment if the first-line treatments do not relieve the symptoms, such as surgery or laser.

What are medical options used to treat Piles?

To some point, piles sufferers can alleviate their symptoms by using certain medications. Among them are the following:

Over counter medications – These are commonly prescribed by a gastroenterologist or piles specialist. They serve to reduce inflammation and swelling in the area and come in a variety of forms, such as pain relievers, ointments, pads, and so on. It is not recommended to use them for more than a week since some negative effects may appear.

Corticosteroids- Corticosteroids aid in reducing inflammation and discomfort.

Laxatives- To aid with constipation, the patient may be prescribed laxatives. This would make it easier for them to pass stool and relieve some strain.

Surgery – Surgery will not be necessary if your hemorrhoids improve over time. If medication and non-invasive techniques do not work, or if your piles continue to bleed, your doctor may consider the following surgical procedures:

Haemorrhoidectomy – The medical treatment ensures surgical removal of all piles.
Stapled haemorrhoidopexy – Pile removal using particular stapler equipment. If appropriate, this approach is less painful than “traditional” hemorrhoidectomy.

What are natural treatment options for piles?

Certain home remedies can also help ease the slight discomfort, irritation, and swelling associated with piles.

Eating the right foods – In addition to fruits and vegetables, you should eat whole grains. These meals both bulk up and soften the feces. This helps you to avoid straining, which aggravates the symptoms of existing piles. In order to minimize gas issues, gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet.
Topical treatments – Hydrocortisone-containing hemorrhoid creams or suppositories can be used. These lotions are accessible without a prescription. You can also use pads with numbing chemicals or witch hazel.
Warm baths – Soak your anal area in simple warm water for 10-15 minutes. You can take warm baths twice a day.

These treatments might help you get rid of piles symptoms in as little as a week. If you still don’t feel better, you should see your doctor.

What to expect at your doctor’s visit?

Whether you see a primary care physician or a colon and rectal specialist, you can anticipate a comprehensive examination that includes the following:

A review of your medical history
Discussion of your symptoms
Physical examination

Your doctor will ask you comprehensive questions about what causes your symptoms to improve or worsen during your appointment. It’s critical to be open and honest with them so they can figure out what’s causing your irritated hemorrhoid.

The physical exam will almost always include an inside examination of your anus and rectum. If that doesn’t clear up the reason for your symptoms or you have a high risk of cancer, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to ensure that a more serious health problem doesn’t cause your discomfort or bleeding. Global Hospital Mumbai also ensure all advanced methods to treat piles ( hemorrhoid)

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