Piles: 10 Things Your GI Doctors Want To Tell You
You hate going to the bathroom. It is difficult to sit comfortably, even in your favorite chair. Itchy bottom. It’s embarrassing.
Piles are much more common than you might think. Piles are reported by 10 million Americans every year. This is not just for those who are open about it. I have seen so many patients embarrassed by Piles. It’s so unnecessary!
Piles are caused by the anus swelling up in the same way as varicose veins. The anus is a very sensitive area and can cause pain when it clots.
I want all my patients to know the basics of Piles. Knowledge is power, and there should be less embarrassment about the topic. There are many risk factors associated with Piles, as well as comfortable ways to treat them. The GI doctors would love to tell you more!
#1: When should I see a Gastroenterologists doctor for Piles?
For peace of mind, if you feel your rectum is sore or you find blood on the wipes, you should consult a gastroenterologist. Although it may be embarrassing to receive a diagnosis of Piles, it is far better than the more serious bleeding anus conditions like anal cancer. These matters are well-known to GI doctors, so you don’t have to feel embarrassed in the exam room.
You can also get the best Piles treatment if you have a diagnosis. Anal fissures and Piles are often confused for one another, but they should be treated differently.
If you feel anal pain increasing in intensity or spreading, or if there are signs of infection such as anal discharge, fever or raised temperature, you should seek medical attention immediately.
#2 There are 2 types of Piles
There are many types of Piles. Internal Piles can be painless because they are not in your body. However, if you strain on the toilet, they may move to the outside of your anus. The anal opening is where external Piles are located. They can be swollen and painful and make it difficult to bowel.
External Piles may become very painful due to clotting. Although they are not usually symptomatic, internal Piles can cause some bleeding. External Piles can cause chronic pain, difficulty passing stools, and lumps or swellings around your anus.
#3 Are Piles Harmful
Although Piles can be more painful than dangerous, they are often more discomforting than harmful. If a Piles continues to bleed for longer than 10 minutes, it is worth getting checked out. Anemia can occur very rarely if a Piles bleeds profusely. External thrombosed Piles can be so severe that you will want to have them treated immediately.
Although Piles aren’t necessarily harmful in the conventional sense, they can cause problems in your self-esteem and general well-being. For example, you might start to dread going to the bathroom. However, the longer you wait, the more dry your stools in your rectum become, making it more painful.
As per the best GI doctor in Kolkata, Piles are normal. However, it can be embarrassing to have to use more toilet paper than usual, to go to the pharmacy to get Piles cream, or to feel the itch in public. There is no reason to suffer from the discomforts when there are ways to get rid of them.
#4 Common Causes of Piles
Piles can be common and are often caused by constipation or pregnancy. Although the exact mechanism of Piles is not known, it appears that there is a relationship between increased pressure and the thinning of tissues, which contributes to the formation of the swollen vessels.
You can cause Piles by:
Constipation – Chronic constipation can lead to strain. However, even if you do pass stool, they can be hard and dehydrated. This can put pressure on your delicate tissues.
Severe straining – The act of straining on the toilet can create pressure in the anal region.
Piles are linked to obesity – Sitting down for prolonged periods of time and obesity both increase the pressure on the anus.
Ageing – As you age, your blood supply to the anus becomes less efficient and begins to stretch. This makes you more vulnerable to Piles.
Pregnancy – As pregnancy progresses, the baby’s weight puts pressure on the area, increasing the likelihood of Piles.
Drinking lots of water and exercising are some of the ways to reduce risk factors. Fiber is also important for digestion.
#5 How long do Piles last?
There are a few things that can affect how long you stay with Piles. You can reduce your Piles symptoms by changing your diet, increasing your water intake, applying a cream and wiping with damp toilet paper. If you have mild external Piles, this will likely take less than a week.
If your Piles problem is more severe, these changes may not be sufficient. However, it may make pooping a little more enjoyable. If you have Piles that cause severe pain or bleed frequently, it is possible that you are suffering from a chronic condition.
#6 Why do Piles Sometimes Itch?
Anus is very sensitive and can cause inflammation and itching. Piles can be caused by Piless. The internal type can pull mucus from your rectum along, if it slips outside your anus.
The Piles may continue to produce mucus if it remains prolapsed outside your body. The mucus can be irritating to your anus, which can cause itchy skin. The itch can be worsened by the mucus and stool that you produce when you poop.
Also Read: Difference Between Piles, Fistula & Fissure
#7 How do I know if what I have is a Piles?
To be certain, you should visit a gastroenterologist to examine your condition. It’s easy to mistake Piles symptoms with anal fissures or other serious conditions.
It is important to remember that a Piles’s pain is almost always constant, though it can be worse when sitting down. An anal fissure’s pain is more intense after you pass a stool (dulling in between bowel movements). Piles often cause more swelling. To be sure, I recommend that you have it checked by a professional.
#8 How can I prevent Piles?
Piles are more common in pregnancy and older age. There are lifestyle changes that you can make to decrease your chance of getting them.
There are steps you can take that will reduce your chance of getting Piles.
- Lose weight – Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent Piles.
- Get plenty of fiber. This will help you avoid Piles.
- Moving is key – Keeping active and moving for long periods of the day can help you avoid Piles. Piles can be a serious problem for truckers, long-haul drivers and other drivers. Consider investing in a standing desk if you are currently seated at your desk for long periods. Or taking short breaks to stand.
Piles do not have to be a concern if you drink enough water, take care of yourself, and don’t wait until you have to go to the bathroom.
#9 Can Over-The-Counter Piles Treatments Provide Long Term Relief?
Although they can temporarily relieve symptoms, over-the-counter Piles creams may be very helpful if you have a mild case. These creams don’t address the root cause of Piles. If you have chronic problems with your Piles due to weight loss or other issues, the cream may not be able to help.
The Piles cream’s effects on symptoms don’t usually last very long so it’s worth noting that you might be spending more time applying the cream and may find your piles aren’t shrinking. Piles banding can be a better long-term option.
# 10 How Piles banding works
The Piles Removal System uses small rubber bands to place around the blood vessels in the base of your Piles. This cuts off blood supply and shrinks them.
The banded tissue and band will fall off your stool in a few days. But here’s what’s really clever: the scar tissue that forms from the band reduces blood supply to the Piles. The hemorrhoidal veins is still there, but its blood supply has been reduced so it doesn’t swell or cause pain.
Contact Dr. Azhar Alam, the best Piles Doctor in Kolkata, book an appointment at +91 9007709736.
About Docor
Dr. Azhar Alam
MBBS (Honours), MRCS A (UK),
DNB General Surgery
FIAGES (Gastro Intestinal Surgery)
FMAS (Minimal Access Surgery),
MNAMS (New Delhi)
Consultant Gastrointestinal, Advanced Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Surgery, KPC Medical College and Hospital
