Overview

Piles (a.k.a hemorrhoids) indicate swelling of the veins in the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids can form in the rectum (internal) or beneath the skin around the anus (external). 

Approximately three out of four adults have hemorrhoids from time to time. Hemorrhoids have numerous causes, but usually, the cause is not known. 

Fortunately, there are efficient options to treat hemorrhoids. People can also get aid with a few home treatments and a few lifestyle changes. 

Symptoms 

Symptoms normally depend on the kind of hemorrhoid. 

External hemorrhoids

Symptoms might involve: 

• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling around the anus
• Bleeding 

Internal hemorrhoids

This usually can’t be felt or perceived, and they seldom cause distress. But in some cases, during passing stool, one may experience: 

• Painless bleeding through bowel
• Pain and irritation 

Thrombosed hemorrhoids

If blood accumulates in an external hemorrhoid forming a clot, it can cause: 

• Severe pain
• Swelling or inflammation
• Hard lump near the anus

It is not right to assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids because this can also occur with other diseases, including types of cancer. It is important to seek emergency care if one has large amounts of rectal bleeding, lightheadedness or dizziness. 

Treatment 

Home Cure 

Hemorrhoids can often go away on their own without treatment, and symptoms like pain and bleeding may last one week or slightly longer. Simultaneously, one can practice these to ease symptoms:

• Apply medications containing lidocaine/witch hazel/hydrocortisone to the afflicted area.
• Drink lots of
• Increase fibre consumption through diet and
• Soak in a warm bath each
• Soften stool by taking
• Administer Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling.
• Use toilet paper/washcloth with lotion or flushable wet wipes to clean the bottom after pooping. 

Other treatments 

If symptoms get more serious or interfere with everyday life, medication is a must. Also, if no changes are observed after a week of home treatments, a healthcare provider may treat hemorrhoids with: 

• Rubber band ligation: A tiny rubber band placed about the base of a hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply to the
• Electrocoagulation: An electric current to stop blood flow to a
• Infrared coagulation: Transmitting heat to get rid of hemorrhoids by injecting a small probe into the
• Sclerotherapy: A chemical injected into the swollen vein to destroy hemorrhoid tissue. 

Surgical treatments involve: 

• Hemorrhoidectomy: Removes prolapsed internal hemorrhoids or large external
• Hemorrhoid stapling: Removing internal hemorrhoid or pulling a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid back into the anus to hold it there via the stapling 

Fact Sheet

 Frequency: India reports 1 million new cases of piles every year. An estimated 50-85 per cent of cases are reported among people within 45-65 years.

 PGC Resolution: Spreading awareness and controlling piles cases in India. Providing guidelines and information on healthy diets and measures for controlling hemorrhoids.