Hemorrhoids – Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications, Treatment

Hemorrhoids – Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications, Treatment: Hemorrhoids or Piles is a serious condition in which the veins of your rectum and anus become swollen and can bleed whenever the person passes stool. Hemorrhoids can occur due to various reasons but mostly there is no known cause of the disease. Symptoms may range from mild itching and pain to severe burning and painful bowel movement.

Anyone can be affected by hemorrhoids but they are more common in the older age group. People over the age of 50 are mostly affected by piles and the cases can become so severe that they may even need surgery. In most of the cases, they can get better on their own but in some cases they can become really severe and may need medical intervention.

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding and it affects almost everyone at one period of their life. You can check out all the details regarding hemorrhoids symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and how to treat piles at home in the following article. 

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a common condition affecting almost everyone. This condition can cause extreme pain, burning, itching and irritation for the person. It may even cause bleeding when the affected person passes their stool. Hemorrhoids may be of internal and external types.

The internal hemorrhoids occur inside the anal canal and can lead to bleeding when you pass your stool. The external hemorrhoids usually form on the outer side of your anus and these tend to be more painful and uncomfortable as they cause irritation even when you sit down.

Hemorrhoids can easily heal up by some lifestyle changes and home remedies however if you feel that your symptoms are getting worse then you should immediately visit a doctor. Worst cases may need surgical corrections but most cases heal up with conservative treatment too.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be suspected by spotting bleeding during your stools and pain during your bowel symptoms. However you should still note down your symptoms and track them in order to help your doctor to make a correct diagnosis. Hemorrhoids can show the following symptoms.

  1. You will notice blood spots on the toilet paper and in your stool.
  2. You may even feel a skin kind of structure poking out of your anus which indicates that your hemorrhoids have progressed.
  3. You will also feel a burning and itching sensation around this area.
  4. You will also feel a soreness and redness around your anus. This can even lead to irritation while doing normal day to day activities.
  5. You will also be able to push the lump of tissue sticking out of your anus inwards which confirms the diagnosis of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications, Treatment

Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids

The doctor is the one who will make the final diagnosis. You should note your symptoms carefully so that your doctor may arrive at the correct diagnosis. The following table shows different grades of Hemorrhoids which the doctor will use to grade your condition and then prescribe you the appropriate medication.

GradesCharacteristics
Grade IThe pile may bleed and push into the anal canal but there is no prolapse yet.
Grade IIThe pile prolapses while passing stool but retracts back on its own.
Grade IIIThe pile prolapses while passing stool but it does not retract back on its own and the person has to push it back manually.
Grade IVThe pile is permanently prolapsed and cannot be pushed back manually.

Hemorrhoids Complications

Hemorrhoids are usually easily treatable but sometimes they can even cause many complications. Some of those rare complications are given below.

  1. In some of the rare cases, chronic cases of hemorrhoids can cause anaemia in the person meaning that your body will not be able to fulfil its needs easily.
  2. In some cases, the blood supply of the hemorrhoids may get cut off due to any reason. In these cases a ‘Strangulated Haemorrhoid’ which can cause excruciating pain.
  3. Sometimes, a haemorrhoid can develop a blood clot which is not fatal but it is extremely painful and can cause more bleeding.
  4. Chronic hemorrhoids may even get infected as they are filled with blood which attracts many bacteria and viruses.
  5. An extremely rare case is that an anal fistula may form which is an abnormal passage between the anus and the skin near it. This can lead to a number of further complications.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids treatment may include conservative and surgical treatment in the hospitals. Some of the most common treatment methods are given below.

  1. A surgical procedure known as haemorrhoidectomy can be performed in which your piles will be cut off.
  2. Another surgical procedure known as stapled haemorrhoidectomy can also be performed in which your hemorrhoids will first be removed and then they will be stapled back in place so that they do not prolapse into your anus.
  3. A conservative method known as rubber band ligation can also be performed. In this, a rubber band is tied around your hemorrhoids to make them drop off.
  4. In another procedure, your doctor will inject a liquid in your piles in order to shrink them.
  5. Electrotherapy may also be applied. In this a small amount of electric current is applied to your piles in order to shrink them.

How To Treat Piles At Home

Before going to the doctor, you can try many remedies at home in order to treat your hemorrhoids. In most of the cases, your hemorrhoids can be treated using these methods and no surgical interventions are required. You can check out these remedies below.

  1. You can apply over the counter lidocaine creams over the affected areas.
  2. If you feel extreme pain then you can also take non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat your pain and inflammation of the hemorrhoids.
  3. When you are passing your stool, try not to apply too much pressure and take a deep breath. This will help you to avoid irritating your piles too much.
  4. Include plenty of fibres and fluids in your diet so that your stool does not become too hard and you can easily pass it.
  5. Avoid holding in your stools and go to the washroom as soon as you feel the urge to pass stool.
  6. Do not sit for long periods of time as sitting can put pressure on your piles which will irritate them.
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FAQs Related to Hemorrhoids

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids or Piles is a serious condition in which the veins of your rectum and anus become swollen and can bleed whenever the person passes stool. 

Can Hemorrhoids go away on their own?

Yes, Hemorrhoids can get better on their own. They do not need treatments in most cases but in some cases they may need medicinal interventions.

How can I diagnose Hemorrhoids?

To diagnose Hemorrhoids, you will need to notice all your symptoms. Your doctor will be the one who will make an accurate diagnosis of the condition based on the symptoms that you describe to him.

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