Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or anus. They are a common condition and can be painful or cause bleeding, especially during bowel movements
Types of Hemorrhoids
- Internal Hemorrhoids
- Located inside the rectum
- Usually painless but can cause bleeding
- May protrude (prolapse) through the anus in severe cases
- External Hemorrhoids
- Under the skin around the anus
- Can be painful, especially if a blood clot forms (thrombosed hemorrhoid)
- May cause itching, swelling, or bleeding
🔹 Causes and Risk Factors
- Straining during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet
- Low-fiber diet
- Obesity
- Pregnancy (due to pressure on pelvic veins)
- Aging (tissues supporting veins weaken)
🔹 Symptoms
- Bright red blood in the stool or on toilet paper
- Pain or discomfort during bowel movements
- Itching or irritation around the anus
- Swelling or a lump near the anus
- Mucus discharge
- A feeling of incomplete evacuation
🔹 Diagnosis
- Physical exam for external hemorrhoids
- Digital rectal exam or anoscopy for internal hemorrhoids
- Colonoscopy may be done if bleeding is persistent or to rule out other conditions
🔹 Treatment
🏠 Home Remedies (First-line Treatment)
- Increase fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber supplements like psyllium)
- Drink plenty of water
- Warm sitz baths (10–15 minutes several times a day)
- Topical treatments (over-the-counter creams like hydrocortisone, witch hazel pads)
- Cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Avoid straining during bowel movements
- Do not sit too long on the toilet
💊 Medications
- Oral pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Laxatives or stool softeners (to prevent straining)
🩺 Minimally Invasive Procedures (for persistent or severe hemorrhoids)
- Rubber band ligation: Bands cut off circulation to the hemorrhoid
- Sclerotherapy: Injection of a solution to shrink the hemorrhoid
- Infrared coagulation: Uses heat to shrink the tissue
🏥 Surgical Options (for large, painful, or prolapsed hemorrhoids)
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal
- Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: Cuts off blood flow and repositions tissue
🔹 Prevention Tips
- Eat a high-fiber diet
- Stay hydrated
- Exercise regularly
- Don’t delay bowel movements
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Maintain a healthy weight
❗️When to See a Doctor
- Persistent or heavy rectal bleeding
- Severe pain or swelling
- Symptoms don’t improve with home treatment
- History of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
