I think I have piles. What do I do now?
Haemorrhoids also known as piles is an extremely common condition that up to half the Singapore population suffer from. While it may cause a great deal of discomfort, many people choose to live with this debilitating condition. However, there are many treatment options for these patients promising a significant improvement in their quality of life.
What are piles, really?
These are actually blood vessels that bulge abnormally at round the lower rectum and anus. Based on their location, they can be described as external or internal piles.
External piles are typically nearer to the anus and are likely to painful as they enlarge because they are covered by very sensitive skin. You will likely feel a hard lump which may be painful to touch. It may also bleed should it rupture.
Internal piles are beneath the lining of the anus and cause painless bleeding. The lump may be felt during bowel movement. However, should the lump protrude out of the anus and be strangulated, it may cause severe pain.
Why do I have this?
There may be several factors that lead to piles; many of which increases the amount of pressure on the rectal veins. This includes:
- Chronic constipation/diarrhea
- Pregnancy
- Straining during bowel movement
- Heredity
- Age
The increase in pressure causes the veins to dilate and stretch. The weakened walls result in their protrusion.
Treatment
It is important to be aware that many of the symptoms of piles especially bleeding are similar to those of colorectal cancer. It is therefore important that any of these symptoms be thoroughly investigated by a doctor.
Should piles be diagnosed, treatment can be in the form of lifestyle modification to decrease the amount of pressure on the rectal veins. These include increasing fibre intake and decreasing straining during bowel movement.
In more severe cases, medical intervention may be required in the form of ligation which works by cutting of the blood supply to the pile .
Your doctor is the best person to advice you on the appropriate treatment for you.