Never Ignore The Bleeding Piles

Date : 27-Jan-2020

Piles or Hemorrhoids are one of the most unpleasant health conditions. More than 75% of the people age 45 and above have had piles. This condition is both painful and embarrassing. Piles are swollen veins near the anus. They develop either inside the anus or outside the anus. The most common symptoms are pain, itching, and bleeding around the anal area.

What causes piles?

The exact causes of piles are unknown. Increased pressure in the lower rectum which can cause hemorrhoidal veins to become swollen and inflamed. Other possible causes of piles are:

• Straining on the toilet
• Pregnancy and labor
• Being overweight
• Genetic factors
• Constipation

Why do hemorrhoids bleed?

Straining or exerting pressure while passing a hard stool can damage the surface of hemorrhoid, causing it to bleed. Both internal and external hemorrhoids are prone to rupture as a result of pressure. In some cases, a thrombosed hemorrhoid (an internal or external hemorrhoid fills with blood clots) can burst if it becomes too full, resulting in bleeding.

People may experience bleeding in piles, usually after the bowel movement. They may see a small amount of blood in the stool or the toilet bowl. This is usually bright red. If the color of the blood is darker, it can be a problem higher up in the gastrointestinal tract.

When to see a doctor?

Most cases of hemorrhoids are self-treated. However, a person should seek immediate medical assistance if he/she experiences

• Constant hemorrhoid pain
• Constant bleeding from the hemorrhoid
• Blood in stool or toilet bowl
• A thrombosed hemorrhoid
• If left untreated, a thrombosed hemorrhoid can compress and damage the blood vessels of the nearby tissues.

Medical management of Piles:

Treatment for piles varies depending on the type and severity of the problem. Piles with Heavy bleeding or pain can be treated through the following non-surgical methods:

• Rubber band ligation: This method is carried out using a rubber band to cut off the blood supply to hemorrhoid causing it to shrivel and die
• Sclerotherapy: This process involves injecting a substance into hemorrhoid to make it harden and shrink
  Electrotherapy is a type of heat treatment that causes hemorrhoids to harden and shrivel.

Following are the surgical procedures which can be opted if all the non-surgical procedures are not successful:

• Haemorrhoid thrombectomy: A thrombosed hemorrhoid can be easily removed by performing a hemorrhoid thrombectomy, which is a simple 'incision and drainage' procedure to remove the clot.
• Haemorrhoidectomy: Hemorrhoids can be removed with a scalpel or laser, usually under general anesthesia.
• Haemorrhoid stapling: internal hemorrhoids can be removed using a special staple gun. This machine inserts a ring of staples to close the wound and prevent bleeding.

Treatment for hemorrhoids is usually effective. If you are experiencing recurrent hemorrhoids or bleeding, you must discuss it with your doctor and adopt the necessary treatment plans.

Blog reviewed by: Dr. Patta Radhakrishna
Mail us: gastrosurgeonchennai@gmail.com
Book appointment: www.thegastrosurgeon.com/book-appointment