Understanding Piles: Causes, Symptoms & Modern Treatment

Piles, medically known as hemorrhoids, are one of the most common conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite being prevalent, many people suffer in silence due to embarrassment. Understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms early, and knowing about modern treatment options can help you take control of your health.

What are Piles?

Piles are swollen blood vessels in and around the anal canal. Everyone has these blood vessels, but when they become enlarged due to increased pressure, they cause symptoms like bleeding, pain, and discomfort. Piles can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (around the anus).

Common Causes

Several factors contribute to the development of piles:

• Chronic constipation: Straining during bowel movements puts pressure on anal blood vessels
• Sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting, especially on hard surfaces
• Low-fiber diet: Leads to hard stools and straining
• Pregnancy: Increased pressure on pelvic blood vessels
• Obesity: Extra weight puts pressure on the pelvic region
• Heavy lifting: Regular heavy lifting can cause strain

Recognizing the Symptoms

Common signs that you may have piles include:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl after bowel movements
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements
• Swelling or a lump near the anus
• Feeling of incomplete bowel movement

Grades of Piles

Piles are classified into four grades based on severity:

• Grade 1: Internal piles that don't prolapse - often only cause bleeding
• Grade 2: Prolapse during straining but return on their own
• Grade 3: Prolapse that needs to be manually pushed back
• Grade 4: Permanently prolapsed and cannot be pushed back

Modern Treatment Options

The good news is that modern medicine offers several effective treatments with minimal pain and quick recovery:

Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty

This is a revolutionary treatment where precise laser energy is used to shrink hemorrhoidal tissue. Benefits include minimal pain, same-day discharge, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Stapler Hemorrhoidopexy (PPH)

A procedure that repositions prolapsed tissue while cutting off blood supply to hemorrhoids. It's less painful than conventional surgery and allows quicker return to normal activities.

Rubber Band Ligation

A non-surgical option for Grade 2-3 internal piles where a rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off blood supply and causing it to shrink.

Prevention Tips

You can reduce your risk of developing or worsening piles by:

• Eating a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Drinking adequate water (8-10 glasses daily)
• Exercising regularly to promote healthy bowel movements
• Avoiding prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet
• Not straining during bowel movements
• Responding to the urge to defecate promptly