Description

What are Piles and how do they form? Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus. They can develop when the veins in the rectum and anus become enlarged and stretched, causing discomfort and various symptoms. Piles can be internal, located inside the rectum, or external, located under the skin around the anus. The exact cause of piles is not always clear, but several factors can contribute to their formation: 1. Straining during Bowel Movements: Excessive straining while passing stool can put pressure on the veins in the rectal area, leading to the development of piles. 2. Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea: Prolonged episodes of constipation or frequent episodes of diarrhea can contribute to the development of piles. Constipation can cause straining during bowel movements, while diarrhea can irritate the rectal area. 3. Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Sitting or standing for long periods of time can increase pressure in the rectal area and contribute to the formation of piles. 4. Pregnancy: Pregnancy can increase the pressure on the veins in the rectal area due to the growing uterus, hormonal changes, and increased blood volume. This makes pregnant women more susceptible to developing piles. 5. Obesity: Excess weight and obesity can put increased pressure on the rectal veins, making the development of piles more likely. 6. Age: The risk of developing piles increases with age as the tissues supporting the veins in the rectal area may weaken over time. The symptoms of piles can vary but commonly include: • Pain, discomfort, or b in the anal area. • Swelling or a lump around the anus. • Bleeding during bowel movements, which may be seen as blood on toilet paper or in the stool. • Mucus discharge from the anus. • Sensation of incomplete bowel movement. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a gastroenterologist or proctologist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you suspect you have piles. Treatment options for piles range from lifestyle modifications and topical medications to procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgical removal in severe cases. What are different types of Piles? Piles, or hemorrhoids, can be classified into different types based on their location and severity. The two main types of piles are: 1. Internal Hemorrhoids: These piles develop inside the rectum, above the anal opening. They are usually painless because there are fewer pain receptors in the internal rectal area. Common symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include bleeding during bowel movements, itching, and protrusion of the hemorrhoid outside the anal canal (prolapsed internal hemorrhoid). 2. External Hemorrhoids: These piles form under the skin around the anus. They can be felt as soft, swollen lumps around the anal opening. External hemorrhoids may cause pain, itching, and discomfort, especially during bowel movements. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids occur when blood clots form within the external hemorrhoid, causing severe pain and swelling. In addition to these main types, piles can also be classified based on their severity or degree: 1. First-Degree Hemorrhoids: These hemorrhoids do not prolapse or protrude from the anus. They may cause bleeding or itching but do not cause significant discomfort. 2. Second-Degree Hemorrhoids: These hemorrhoids prolapse (push out) during bowel movements but retract back into the rectum spontaneously. 3. Third-Degree Hemorrhoids: These hemorrhoids prolapse during bowel movements and require manual pushing (usually with a finger) to go back into the rectum. 4. Fourth-Degree Hemorrhoids: These hemorrhoids are permanently prolapsed and cannot be pushed back into the rectum. They may become trapped outside the anal canal and can be associated with significant discomfort. It's important to note that piles can also occur in combination, where both internal and external hemorrhoids are present. The classification of piles helps guide the treatment approach and decisions made by healthcare professionals. If you suspect you have piles or are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.