• ● Internal hemorrhoids : Internal hemorrhoids develop deep inside the rectum and may not be visible to the naked eye. They usually do not cause any pain, but you may notice slight bleeding through your anus.
• ● External hemorrhoids : External hemorrhoids develop on the outer edge of your anus. They may not be visible in some cases, but in other cases, they may look like lumps. External hemorrhoids cause severe pain and discomfort.
• ● Thrombosed hemorrhoids : Sometimes, blood clots develop within the hemorrhoid tissue. These are known as thrombosed hemorrhoids. They cut off the blood supply to the rectal tissue, causing extreme pain. If left untreated, thrombosed hemorrhoids can cause severe complications.
• ● Prolapsed hemorrhoids : Prolapsed hemorrhoids develop when the internal hemorrhoids swell and start to bulge outside the anus. They can cause itchiness, pain, discomfort, and a burning sensation.

Usually, piles are caused due to excessive pressure on your rectal region. Under pressure, the blood vessels in the rectum and around the anal region stretch out and swell, forming bulges known as piles. It may be due to:

• ● Pregnancy
• ● Straining during bowel movements
• ● Chronic diarrhea and constipation
• ● Lifting heavy objects and weights
• ● Obesity

In most cases of piles, there are no noticeable symptoms. Piles usually resolve on their own within a few days or weeks.

The common signs and symptoms of piles include:

• ● An itchy, sore, and red anal region
• ● Pain during bowel movements
• ● Bright red blood after passing stool
• ● The feeling of a hard, painful lump around the anal region

In severe cases of piles, the following symptoms are:

• ● The inability to control bowel movements, known as fecal incontinence
• ● Excessive anal bleeding
• ● Strangulated hemorrhoid, which occurs when its blood supply is cut off
• ● Anal fistula, which is a bridge created between the inside and outside of the anal region

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately.

External hemorrhoids may be visible upon physical examination. To diagnose internal hemorrhoids, your doctor may perform tests in your rectal and anal region, including:

• ● Digital examination : Your doctor will insert a gloved and lubricated finger inside your rectum to feel for unusual growths and bulges.
• ● Visual inspectionIn some cases, internal hemorrhoids may be too soft to be felt during a digital examination. The doctor may use a sigmoidoscope, proctoscope, or anoscope to examine your rectal and anal region. Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy if your signs and symptoms suggest another digestive system disease.

In most cases, piles resolve on their own and do not require any treatment. However, some treatment options can provide relief from symptoms such as itching, pain, and discomfort. The expert team of doctors and surgeons at Smiles Gastroenterology provide each patient with the best piles treatment in Bangalore. The various treatment options include:

Home Remedies
Home remedies can help relieve mild symptoms such as inflammation, pain, or swelling from piles.

• ● Consume vegetables, fruits and high-fiber foods to help soften the stool and increase its bulk. This will slow down the symptoms from worsening.
• ● Use over-the-counter topical medications with hydrocortisone or heating pads that contain numbing agents or witch hazel.
• ● Soak your anal region in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this twice or thrice a day to relieve mild symptoms.

Medications
If your piles cause mild pain and discomfort, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter ointments, lotions, pads, or creams. These contain witch hazel, lidocaine, and hydrocortisone, which can help provide relief from mild pain, itching, and discomfort. However, do not use over-the-counter medications for more than a week unless prescribed by your doctor.

Surgical Options
In cases of painful piles, your doctor may recommend surgical options. These include:

• ● Rubber band ligation : The doctor will place small bands around the internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. It will cause hemorrhoids to shrink and fall off in a few days.
• ● SclerotherapyThe doctor will inject a chemical injection into your hemorrhoid to shrink it. This procedure may be less effective than rubber band ligation.
• ● CoagulationThis technique will use infrared light, laser or heat to harden and shrivel internal hemorrhoids.
• ● HemorrhoidectomyThe surgeon will remove any excess tissue that may be causing the bleeding. It is the most effective treatment for completely removing piles.
• ● Hemorrhoid staplingThis procedure involves blocking the blood flow to the hemorrhoid tissue. Although it is less painful than a hemorrhoidectomy, it has an increased risk of hemorrhoid recurrence or rectal prolapse, where a part of the rectum comes out of the anus.

Result Most cases of piles resolve on their own and do not require surgery. However, the few people that do undergo surgery show positive results.

In around 95 percent of the cases, piles surgery does not cause any complications. However, some patients may experience:

• ● Urinary tract infection
• ● Fecal impaction
• ● Pain and discomfort
• ● Wound breakdown
• ● Infection
• ● Anal stricture

Piles, also known as Haemorrhoids, are referred to as swollen veins that develop around the anus, leading to bleeding and pain. When veins usually function, blood flows in one particular direction via them. However, extra pressure, stress or weight on the pelvis can lead to vein swelling in the lower body, causing piles. Piles can be discomforting. Anyone can develop piles, but pregnancy increases the risk for piles.
Sometimes, the person may be unaware of the piles’ condition as it may not cause any issue or show a symptom. Although piles may lead to itchiness, bleeding, pain, burning sensation, or you can even find lumps around the anus.

Description
According to the OWH (Office on Women’s Health), approximately 50% of pregnant women suffer from piles or haemorrhoids. Piles mainly occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. The third trimester is between 27 to 40 weeks. However, if not appropriately treated, piles can become consistent throughout one’s life.
The medical practitioners have divided piles into two categories- internal haemorrhoids and external haemorrhoids. Internal haemorrhoids can be treated with the help of medications and some nonoperative treatments. However, external haemorrhoids do not need attention until it causes pain or discomfort.

During pregnancy, the body goes through several hormonal changes. These hormonal changes cause the veins to relax as well as lead to constipation. Constipation is one of the leading reasons for piles development due to the pressure and straining during the bowel movements. This pressure can cause tearing, bulging and even lump formation around and in the anus and lead to piles.

Other than constipation, the growing size of the uterus increased progesterone level, and the baby’s positioning can also play a significant role in piles development among the expected women. Also, giving birth while in the second stage of labour can develop the issue of piles.

If you suffer from piles during pregnancy, get your appointment at Smiles Hospitals, Bangalore, now for consultation and treatment.

Piles are ubiquitous during pregnancy. Piles may be caused in pregnancy due to:

1. Enlarging uterus
2. Pressure from the increased weight of the developing fetus
3. Positioning of the fetus in the uterus
4. While giving normal birth
5. Increased blood volume
6. Constipation
7. Hormonal levels and changes

Few other reasons include carrying heavyweights, a low fibre diet, chronic constipation, weakened supportive tissues around the anus and prolonged sitting or standing positions.

Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids:

1. Rectal bleeding
2. Prolapsed haemorrhoids

Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids:

1. Pain
2. Itchiness
3. Burning sensation
4. Painful bowel movements
5. Lumps formation
6. Bleeding
7. Blood clot
8. Swelling

There are specific preventive measures to avoid Piles during Pregnancy, mainly to avoid constipation. They are:

• ● Maintain a high fibre and fruit diet
• ● Drink plenty of water and other fluids
• ● Do not delay the urge of urination
• ● Avoid sitting or standing position for an extended period
• ● Take gentle walks to maintain the flow of blood
• ● Regular kegel exercise
• ● Change your sleep positions

There are various treatments available for piles, including Hemorrhoidectomy surgery. However, due to the pregnancy, the healthcare providers avoid any medical treatment that may somehow harm the pregnancy.

Medical treatments for piles include Rubber band ligation, laxatives, oral treatments like ruto-sides and hidrosmine, Sclerotherapy, Hemorrhoidectomy and Stapledhemorrhoidopexy. However, most of these treatments are not recommended by doctors for pregnant women.

There are several home remedies and lifestyle changes that can be helpful in the treatment of piles during pregnancy. However, none of it should be applied before consulting your healthcare provider. You should always consult with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of piles, especially during pregnancy.

Few treatments for piles in pregnancy, as per doctors recommendations, includes:

• ● Taking sitz bath
• ● Taking mild laxative
• ● Cold compress
• ● Sleeping on left side
• ● Applying witch hazels
• ● Using doughnut cushions
• ● Appling stool softeners

Visit the Smiles Hospital, Bangalore, for treatment of piles during pregnancy.

The gynaecologist often suggested a thoughtful and defined process during the pregnancy to prevent or treat piles. With medical advancements, various measures are now available to treat and deal with the new mommies and mommies-to-be who are more prone to piles.

You may visit the colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist for the issue of piles. Your gynaecologist may also suggest various treatment procedures involved in piles treatment.

Piles appear as swollen lumps protruding from the anus. They are usually bluish due to the blood clots present inside the lumps.

Both internal and external Hemorrhoids can develop into thrombosed Hemorrhoids. Blood clots can also form inside the swollen vein and if the vein gets too filled with blood, it may burst.

Foods that contain less quantities of fiber should be avoided if you have Piles. These foods include:

• ● Bagels
• ● White bread
• ● Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter
• ● Processed foods such as frozen food
• ● Meat

Exercises such as walking and other cardiovascular activities are considered healthy if you have Piles. These exercises increase blood flow and boost the delivery of beneficial nutrients to the affected region.

Most people return to work around seven days after surgery, and complete recovery may take up to two to 3 weeks.

In around 95 percent of the cases, Piles surgery does not cause any complications. However, some patients may experience:

• ● Urinary tract infection
• ● Fecal impaction
• ● Pain and discomfort
• ● Wound breakdown
• ● Infection
• ● Anal stricture

Most piles go away after pregnancy, but in case it does not, then you must consult your doctor for the treatment.

You cannot avoid piles during pregnancy. However, you may prevent it by following a particular lifestyle.

There is no permanent cure for piles. However, you may treat and eradicate the piles that you have.

There are various medical treatments and surgeries for Piles. For example:

1. Rubber band ligation
2. Laxatives
3. Oral therapies
4. Sclerotherapy
5. Electrotherapy
6. Hemorrhoidectomy
7. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

Yes, Piles may occur and reoccur from time to time. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for it.

Several complications may arise due to untreated Piles like anal fistula, gangrene, infection, anaemia due to excessive blood loss, etc.

No, piles can be developed in anyone at any age, but pregnant women are more prone to Piles.

Usually, piles go away in a week to 10 days. However, the lump takes time to fade away completely. In case piles last more than that period, immediately consult for medical aid.

An external Haemorrhoid can even burst if a blood clot formed inside the piles’ lump and extreme pressure is applied, usually during bowel movement.