Piles or haemorrhoids are painful swellings inside or around the rectum and anus. These contain enlarged blood vessels. This is a common condition that makes life difficult of numerous people across the world. It is caused when excess pressure is exerted on the anus leading to symptoms such as:

• Blood in the stools
• Pain while passing stools
• Painful lumps in and around the anus
• Mucus discharge while passing stools
• Itching sensation around anus
• Feeling of fullness even after passing a stool

The haemorrhoids may be present internally. These may not be very painful but will cause rectal bleeding. Large haemorrhoids may protrude outside, (prolapsed, and then shrink back on their own. If they protrude permanently, they may have to be treated. Haemorrhoids may be present externally. These are painful, especially if a clots form in them.

If you do have the condition, you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are numerous non-surgical and surgical procedures available to provide you relief.

Non-surgical procedures available

• Banding: In this procedure a tight elastic band is placed around the base of the haemorrhoid. This cuts blood supply to it. In about a week the haemorrhoid will fall off.
• Sclerotherapy:A chemical is injected into the haemorrhoid to make it shrink.
• Coagulation:Laser of heat energy is used on internal haemorrhoids to coagulate blood and harden it.

These anon-surgical procedures are very effective, but sometimes they may not be able to provide the desired relief. Then you may require surgery.

Surgical procedures available

• Haemorrhoidectomy: Haemorrhoids are removed through conventional surgery under anaesthesia
• Haemorrhoidal artery ligation:The artery suppling blood to the haemorrhoid is identified using ultrasound and stitched closed. The haemorrhoid shrinks within a few days or weeks. This procedure can also reduce prolapsing of internal haemorrhoids.
• Stapling:This procedure is done through a circular hollow tube that is inserted into the anal canal. The arterial blood vessels in the haemorrhoid are cut and stapled. Once the tissue heals, the staples fall off and are passed in the stool. Stapling is less painful and has a shorter recovery period and you can return to work in about a week.

While there are treatments available for haemorrhoids, preventing them is the better option. Here are a few of lifestyle changes that can help reduce haemorrhoids.

Tips to prevent haemorrhoids from developing and recurring:

• Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, beans and nuts in your diet to increase fibre content
• Drink plenty of fluids especially water to keep you stools loose
• Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge, don’t hold back
• Check if any of your medicines cause constipation and get alternatives for them
• Manage your weight
• Exercise regularly

Piles or haemorrhoids can be painful, but they can be managed well and you can get complete relief. If you have any of the symptoms, consult our experts for the best piles treatment. We will help you get back to normal pain free life quickly.