Haemorrhoids FAQs: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors and Treatments
People are confused between symptoms of all the lifestyle diseases affecting anorectal health of humans such as piles, constipation, hernia, fistula, fissures, pilonidal sinus, prolapse, varicose veins and digestive diseases. Here are the most frequently asked questions about haemorrhoids (piles) to help you with the basic information.
1. What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are more commonly known as 'Piles', which are swollen blood vessels present in and around the anus as well as lower rectum. Piles occur as a result of excess pressure on these vessels. Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).
2. What are the common causes and risk factors of piles?
Constipation is the root cause of piles. Hard stools for more than three weeks and strained bowel movements are the most common causes. Wrong bowel habits can also be the major cause behind occurrence of piles. Other risk factors include diarrhoea, pregnancy, obesity, heredity, aging, and regular lifting of heavy loads.
3. What are the common symptoms of piles?
Piles are not a life threatening ailment. In most cases, haemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days. Although many people have haemorrhoids, every one of them not necessarily experiences the same symptoms. However, the most common symptom associated with internal piles is bright red blood during bowel movements. Common symptoms of external piles may include painful swelling and formation of a hard lump around the anus. Other possible symptoms include irritation, anal itching, protrusion during bowel movements, sensitive lumps around the anus, and mucus drainage.
4. How common are piles?
Piles occur in both men and women. A significant population is diagnosed with piles at the age of 50; however, some women might suffer from piles during or post-pregnancy, which remains a temporary problem though.
5. How to go about diagnosis and treatment?
The doctor examines the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels indicating the occurrence of haemorrhoids. A digital rectal examination with a gloved, lubricated finger is often recommended to accurately diagnose the problem. As far as treatment is concerned, a holistic approach can be highly effective in curing piles. Medication, herbal laxatives, dietary modification, physiotherapy and Ayurveda usually cure piles within a few days. However, beyond that, a surgical intervention has to be adopted. Latest technology, minimally invasive piles surgeries include stapler surgery and laser surgery.
Stay tuned with us for more information on piles and other anorectal diseases with latest and innovative treatment mechanism.
1. What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are more commonly known as 'Piles', which are swollen blood vessels present in and around the anus as well as lower rectum. Piles occur as a result of excess pressure on these vessels. Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).
2. What are the common causes and risk factors of piles?
Constipation is the root cause of piles. Hard stools for more than three weeks and strained bowel movements are the most common causes. Wrong bowel habits can also be the major cause behind occurrence of piles. Other risk factors include diarrhoea, pregnancy, obesity, heredity, aging, and regular lifting of heavy loads.
3. What are the common symptoms of piles?
Piles are not a life threatening ailment. In most cases, haemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days. Although many people have haemorrhoids, every one of them not necessarily experiences the same symptoms. However, the most common symptom associated with internal piles is bright red blood during bowel movements. Common symptoms of external piles may include painful swelling and formation of a hard lump around the anus. Other possible symptoms include irritation, anal itching, protrusion during bowel movements, sensitive lumps around the anus, and mucus drainage.
4. How common are piles?
Piles occur in both men and women. A significant population is diagnosed with piles at the age of 50; however, some women might suffer from piles during or post-pregnancy, which remains a temporary problem though.
5. How to go about diagnosis and treatment?
The doctor examines the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels indicating the occurrence of haemorrhoids. A digital rectal examination with a gloved, lubricated finger is often recommended to accurately diagnose the problem. As far as treatment is concerned, a holistic approach can be highly effective in curing piles. Medication, herbal laxatives, dietary modification, physiotherapy and Ayurveda usually cure piles within a few days. However, beyond that, a surgical intervention has to be adopted. Latest technology, minimally invasive piles surgeries include stapler surgery and laser surgery.
Stay tuned with us for more information on piles and other anorectal diseases with latest and innovative treatment mechanism.