What Are Piles (Hemorrhoids)?

Are you struggling with the pain, discomfort, and embarrassment of piles (hemorrhoids)? You’re not alone. In today’s article, we’ll explore what they are, the causes and symptoms of this common condition, as well as the various treatment options available to provide relief.

What Are Piles (Hemorrhoids)?

Four (4) Main Types of Hemorrhoids (Piles)

If you are experiencing hemorrhoids, in the next headings below, we will explore the four (4) main types of hemorrhoids so that you can identify which one of them you are experiencing.

Internal Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the anus and are usually not visible. They are caused by swelling and inflammation of the veins in the anus and rectum. Internal hemorrhoids may not cause any noticeable symptoms because there are no nerves in this part of the body that can detect pain. You may not realize you have internal hemorrhoid until it is discovered during a colonoscopy or after childbirth. However, if an internal hemorrhoid becomes larger, it may cause symptoms such as a protruding lump that can be felt as a soft mass, as well as burning, itching, and possibly even severe pain.

Prolapse Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that have become swollen and may protrude outside the anus. They may appear as a swollen lump and can sometimes be seen with a mirror. Some people with prolapsed hemorrhoids do not experience any symptoms, while others may have discomfort or other symptoms. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are often graded by doctors based on their severity.

• Grade 1 Piles: Grade one (1) is not prolapsed at all. They are usually inside the rectal passage walls.
• Grade 2 Piles: Grade two (2) hemorrhoids are prolapsed but also retract on their own. They may protrude from your anus at certain times like if you are straining during a bowel movement.
• Grade 3 Piles: Grade three (3) prolapsed hemorrhoids protrude from the anus and must be manually pushed back in. If they stick out too often they may progress into grade four.
• Grade 4 Piles: Grade four (4) hemorrhoids are so large that they cannot be easily pushed back in without causing significant pain and discomfort.

If you are experiencing grade one (1) to grade (4) four hemorrhoids, it is important to get urgent treatment. You may want to check out an effective non-surgical solution with PileRid Control. PileRid helps to relieve pain, shrink hemorrhoids, stop anal itching and also stop constipation which is a major cause of Piles.

See images for grade 1 to 4 piles (hemorrhoids) here.

External Hemorrhoids (Piles)

External hemorrhoids are located on the anus and may appear as lumps when visible. These types of hemorrhoids are usually not a major concern unless they cause significant discomfort that impacts daily life. The symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include pain during bowel movements, particularly when straining or performing certain activities, and discomfort when sitting for extended periods, especially on hard surfaces.

Thrombosed Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Thrombosed hemorrhoids are a type of external hemorrhoid that has a blood clot in them. They may appear as a swollen, painful lump near the anus, chronic constipation, and other factors that increase pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum. Thrombosed hemorrhoids may require medical treatment to remove the blood clot and reduce swelling.

Common Symptoms of Piles (Hemorrhoids)

You may be wondering, “how do I know if I am experiencing hemorrhoids?” Below are nine (9) common symptoms of hemorrhoids:

1. Bleeding during bowel movements
2. Lumps in or around the anus
3. A smelly discharge of mucus from the anus that can leave stains on underwear
4. A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the anus
5. A feeling of incomplete bowel movement after going to the toilet
6. Severe itching or sore skin around the anus
7. Pain or discomfort after using the toilet
8. Infection
9. Fecal incontinence

It is important to note that not all individuals with hemorrhoids will experience all of these symptoms and the severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Here is an image with the diagnosis of hemorrhoids, click here.

What Are The Main Causes of Piles (Hemorrhoids)?

There are several potential causes of hemorrhoids, also known as piles, which can include:

1. Chronic constipation or diarrhea
2. Straining during bowel movements
3. Pregnancy and childbirth
4. Anal intercourse
5. Aging
6. A low-fiber diet
7. Lack of physical activity
8. Prolonged sitting or standing
9. Obesity
10. Genetic factors

It is important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that an individual will develop hemorrhoids.

Treatment for Piles (Hemorrhoids)

There are two (2) broad ways to treat hemorrhoids. You can either go for a nonsurgical method or a surgical method. Let’s explore the two methods below;

Non-surgical Treatment Method (Home Remedies for Piles)

Can hemorrhoids be controlled with home remedies? The answer is an affirmative “YES!” There are several at-home options that can help control the discomfort, swelling, and inflammation associated with piles. These methods include:

1. Take oral pain relievers: To manage pain or discomfort, you can take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), or aspirin.
2. Try topical treatments: Piles sufferers can also use over-the-counter creams or suppositories containing hydrocortisone, or pads with witch hazel or numbing agents.
3. Incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet: To soften the stool and promote easy bowel movements, doctors recommend piles patients consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help reduce straining and alleviate symptoms of existing piles. However, it’s important to gradually increase your intake of fiber-rich foods to avoid digestive issues such as gas.
4. Take warm baths or use a sitz bath: To help alleviate discomfort, doctors recommend that piles patients soak their bottom in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per day.
5. Take PileRid Control Herbal Formula for Piles: PileRid is an herbal formulated with the purest and safest natural component that helps in treating hemorrhoids. PileRid Control helps to relieve pain, shrink hemorrhoids, stop anal itching and also stop constipation which is a major cause of Piles. PileRid is one of the most effective home remedies for Piles. Get PileRid Control here.

Surgical Treatment

There are several surgical options for the treatment of hemorrhoids, including:

1. Hemorrhoidectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids. It can be performed using traditional surgery, which involves making an incision in the skin around the anus or using a more modern technique known as a stapled hemorrhoidectomy, which involves the use of a special instrument to remove the hemorrhoids.
2. Sclerotherapy: In this procedure, a chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink.
3. Infrared coagulation: This procedure uses a special device to heat and destroys the hemorrhoids.
4. Rubber band ligation: In this procedure, a rubber band is placed around the base of hemorrhoid, cutting off the blood supply to the tissue, causing it to die and fall off.
5. Laser surgery: This procedure uses a laser to remove the hemorrhoids.

Surgical treatments for hemorrhoids are generally reserved for more severe cases that do not respond to other forms of treatment.

How to Prevent Piles (Hemorrhoids)

Here are some steps you can take to prevent piles (hemorrhoids):

1. Eat a high-fiber diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help soften the stool and reduce strain during bowel movements.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help prevent constipation, which can increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
3. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help promote regular bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation.
4. Avoid straining during bowel movements: Straining during bowel movements can increase pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, leading to the development of hemorrhoids.
5. Avoid sitting for long periods of time: Prolonged sitting can increase pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, so it’s important to get up and move around periodically.
6. Use the toilet as soon as you feel the urge to have a bowel movement: Holding in bowel movements can lead to constipation and increased strain during bowel movements.
7. Don’t lift heavy objects: Lifting heavy objects can increase pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, leading to the development of hemorrhoids.

Common Complications Caused by Piles (Hemorrhoids)

Some common complications that can be caused by piles (hemorrhoids) include:

1. Bleeding: Hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, usually during bowel movements. The bleeding may be minimal or it may be more significant.
2. Anal protrusion: Hemorrhoids can cause a small lump or protuberance around the anus. This can be painful and can make it difficult to clean the area after bowel movements.
3. Infection: In some cases, the tissue surrounding the hemorrhoids can become infected, leading to abscesses or other complications.
4. Thrombosed hemorrhoids: If a blood clot forms inside the hemorrhoid, it can become very painful and may require surgical intervention to remove the clot.
5. Incontinence: In rare cases, severe hemorrhoids can cause incontinence (loss of control over bowel movements).

Conclusion

In conclusion, piles (hemorrhoids) are a common condition that can cause pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. There are four main types of hemorrhoids: internal, prolapsed, external, and thrombosed. Each type can have different symptoms, such as bleeding, itching, and discomfort. Treatment options for piles include home remedies, warm baths, over-the-counter creams, and more invasive medical procedures.

If you are experiencing symptoms of piles, you may want to check out an effective non-surgical solution with PileRid Control. PileRid helps to relieve pain, shrink hemorrhoids, stop anal itching and also stop constipation which is a major cause of Piles.