Piles, commonly known as hemorrhoids, are found inside or outside the anus as a cluster or group of inflamed and swollen tissues and veins.
In India alone, more than four [4] crore people are reported to have hemorrhoids. Additionally, every year, one [1] million new cases are reported. It shows that almost 75% of the Indian population has hemorrhoids. Around the world, it is estimated that 50-85% of people have hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are of four [4] types and are:
- Internal hemorrhoids
- External hemorrhoids
- Prolapsed hemorrhoids
- Thrombosed hemorrhoids
Internal piles aren’t always visible as they are found too deep in the anus. But when they bulge or expand, they look like red or discolored lumps. If internal piles cause severe anal pain or discomfort, contact the doctor immediately.
External hemorrhoids develop on the surface of the anus where the bowel movements are passed out or on the outside edge of the anus. They can look like small lumps that are either pink or purple in color near the anus. And the size of lumps [mostly the size of a pea] varies from person to person.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids occur when hemorrhoids stick out of the anus. Most of the prolapsed hemorrhoids l look like red lumps or bumps outside your anus.
Grade-1 hemorrhoids are those that are not prolapsed at all. Grade-2 are the ones that prolapsed during bowel movements but get retracted by themselves without any external support. Hemorrhoids that are prolapsed but need to be pushed back to their original position fall under grade-3 hemorrhoids. Grade-4 piles are those which can’t be pushed back into the anus and would require a surgical intervention.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids contain blood clots [thrombosis] within the hemorrhoid tissue. They may appear as either dark blue lumps or purple-colored lumps. Non-thrombosed hemorrhoids may appear as rubbery lumps. If there is an increase in the severity of the pain, itchiness, and inflammation around the anal area, immediately consult with the doctor.
One of our well-experienced and the most trusted proctologist, Dr. Varun Gupta says – “Anyone can get piles regardless of age, gender, race, and ethnicity. But, if you neglect piles treatment, you can suffer from serious complications, which can alter your life. Different types of piles can be noticed based on their location and the severity of prolapse. Piles can appear as small as a pea and as big as a grape.”
Individuals with piles can suffer from symptoms that make it difficult to do daily activities like sitting, walking, and running. Also, some individuals may get confused between piles, fistula, and anal fissures because they share most of the common symptoms like severe pain, swelling, and itching in and around the anal area.
What are the causes and symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Below are some of the most common causes of hemorrhoids.
- straining during bowel movements
- sitting for a long time
- intake of low fiber food
- repeated episodes of constipation or diarrhea
- obesity [overweight]
- being pregnant or giving birth
Some of the symptoms of piles include:
- an itchy anus
- severe pain and swelling in and around the anal area
- bright red blood after you pass stools
- small lumps around the anus
- difficulty to walk or sit
- presence of slimy mucus in the underwear or on toilet paper after wiping the anus
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, feel free to contact our doctors at www.piles-doctor.com.
When should I see my doctor?
In case you start noticing severe pain and discomfort in and around the anus while sitting or having a bowel movement, you should consult the doctor.
You should seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms worsen and interfere with your daily activities.
- feeling extremely itchy around the anus
- burning sensation around the anus
- large lumps around the anus
- unbearable pain in and around the anus while sitting and walking
- bluish discoloration of your skin near areas of swelling
At piles-doctor.com, our specialists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids with the help of advanced medical devices and surgical tools. You can contact our doctors by calling 8527-488-190.
At our clinics, we follow the safest surgical procedures to provide the utmost care and the highest quality of medical services to all our patients. We do provide healthcare services 24 x 7, and you can contact us at any time.
