Haemorrhoids/ Piles
What is piles?
Piles are the swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus. These are the dilated veins within the anal canal. It is also known as Haemorrhoids.
Types of piles
Internal haemorrhoids and external haemorrhoids.
Piles Grading System:
Grade I: In this grade, there is no prolapsed. It is small in size and remains in internal lining of anus.
Grade II: In this grade, haemorrhoids may prolapse or come outside of the anal canal after passing motion, but goes back after a short period of time.
Grade III: In this grade, haemorrhoids prolapse out of the anal canal after passing motion, but they won’t go back on their own, these have to be manually placed back.
Grade IV: These are prolapsed haemorrhoids and it cannot be pushed back manually.
Causes of Piles
1. Hereditary, it is often seen in members of the same family.
2. Low roughage diet and decreased consumption of water intake.
3. Chronic constipation.
4. Obesity can be a factor by increasing rectal vein pressure.
5. Sitting for prolonged period of time can cause haemorrhoids.
6. Poor muscle tone or poor posture can result in too much pressure on the rectal veins.
7. Pregnancy causes hypertension and increases strain during bowel movements, so piles are often associated with pregnancy.
8. Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine can cause haemorrhoids.
9. Sedentary lifestyle.
Symptoms of piles
1. The principal and earliest symptom is bleeding.
2. Bleeding is usually bright red.
3. Itching.
4. Painless or painful in some individuals.
5. Prolapse is a later stage.
6. There is first, second, third, and fourth grade/degree.
7. Pain is not characteristic of haemorrhoids unless there is associated fissure-in-ano (cut in the anus).
8. Mucous discharge- is a particular symptom of prolapsed haemorrhoids, which softens and excoriates the skin at the anus. This mucous discharge is due to engorged mucous membrane.
9. Anaemia is often seen in long-standing cases of haemorrhoids due to persistent and profuse bleeding.
Complications of piles
- Sometimes it may lead to infection.
- Anaemia
Prevention of Piles
1. This includes drinking more fluids.
2. Eating more dietary fibers (such as fruits,vegatables, and cereals high in fibers).
Surgical treatment of piles
Rubber band ligation: This is the most common haemorrhoid surgical procedure. Small rubber bands are placed around the haemorrhoids cutting off the blood supply, this eventually causes the haemorrhoids to dry up and slough off.
Stapled haemorrhoidectomy: Staples are used to cut off the haemorrhoids blood supply allowing it to dry up.
Laser surgery: This procedure uses a laser to quickly cut off the haemorrhoids. This procedure also has the benefit of cauterizing the wound at the same time, so bleeding after the procedure is minimal to non-existent.
Haemorrhoidectomy: This is the most serious haemorrhoid surgery and only used in very serious cases, in this procedure the haemorrhoids are actually removed with a scalpel. Due to the fact that this is a cutting surgery, there is a greater risk of infection and potential complications plus there is usually more pain and a longer recovery time
Homeopathic treatment for piles
Homoeopathy has got wonderful results in Haemorrhoids/piles. It helps in relieving symptoms like itching, bleeding, pain etc. Homeopathy addresses the underlying cause such as genetic disposition, chronic constipation etc and hence helps in treating and preventing further relapse of the piles without the help of surgery. It gives significant relief in grade 1 and grade 2 piles. But will help in giving symptomatic relief in grade 3 and grade 4 piles. It also helps in treating chronic constipation.
