Piles (Hemorrhoids)

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. There are two main types of piles: internal and external. Internal piles are located inside the rectum, while external piles are located under the skin around the anus.

There are four grades of piles, which are based on their severity and the extent to which they have prolapsed (protruded outside the anus):

1. Grade 1: These are small and may bleed but do not prolapse.

2. Grade 2: These piles prolapse during a bowel movement but go back inside the anus on their own.

3. Grade 3: These piles prolapse during a bowel movement and need to be pushed back inside the anus manually.

4. Grade 4: These piles are large and prolapsed all the time and cannot be pushed back inside the anus.

The grade of piles determines the course of treatment, with milder cases often treated with non-invasive medical procedures and homeopathy, while more severe cases may require surgical intervention.

 

Recommended treatment duration

6months to 1 year for grade 1 piles.

won't recommend homeopathic treatment for grade 4 piles.

grade 2-3 treatment would be advised after assessing the case.

 

Causes:

Piles can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Obesity
• Sitting for long periods of time
• Aging
• Heredity

Types:

As mentioned above, there are two main types of piles:

1. Internal piles: These are located inside the rectum and usually don't cause pain. However, they can bleed and cause discomfort.

2. External piles: These are located under the skin around the anus and can be painful. They may also bleed if they become irritated.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of piles can include:

• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Pain or discomfort around the anus
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• Swelling around the anus
• Mucus discharge after bowel movements

 

Complications:

Complications of piles can include:

• Anemia from chronic bleeding
• Strangulation of a prolapsed pile, which can cut off blood supply and cause tissue death.
• Thrombosis, or the formation of a blood clot, in an external pile

Treatment:

Treatment for piles depends on the severity of the condition. 

• Soaking in a warm bath
• homeopathic medications 
• dietary advice
• lifestyle changes  

Investigations required.

1. Digital rectal exam (DRE): This is a physical examination in which a healthcare professional inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities, such as enlarged piles.

2. Anoscopy: This is a procedure that involves inserting a small, lighted tube called an anoscope into the anus to visualize the piles.

3. Sigmoidoscopy: This is a procedure that involves inserting a flexible tube called a sigmoidoscope into the rectum to visualize the lower part of the colon and anus. It can help identify any abnormalities, such as polyps, that may be causing the symptoms.

4. Colonoscopy: In rare cases, a colonoscopy may be recommended to rule out any other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.