Piles/Hemorrhoids | Dr. Hina Khan
Dr. Hina Khan | General Surgeon in Pune
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are a common problem. These swollen veins inside the rectum or outside the anus can cause pain, anal itching and rectal bleeding. Symptoms often improve with at-home treatments but on occasion people need medical procedures. Eating more fiber can help prevent hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are a common problem. These swollen veins inside the rectum or outside the anus can cause pain, anal itching and rectal bleeding. Symptoms often improve with at-home treatments but on occasion people need medical procedures. Eating more fiber can help prevent hemorrhoids.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen, enlarged veins that form inside and outside the anus and rectum. They can be painful, uncomfortable and cause rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids are also called piles. We’re all born with hemorrhoids, but at baseline, they don’t bother us. It’s only when they become swollen and enlarged that they produce irritating symptoms.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Straining puts pressure on veins in the anus or rectum, causing hemorrhoids. You might think of them as varicose veins that affect your bottom.
Any sort of straining that increases pressure on your belly or lower extremities can cause anal and rectal veins to become swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids may develop due to:
- Pelvic pressure from weight gain, especially during pregnancy.
- Pushing hard to have a bowel movement (poop) because of constipation.
- Straining to lift heavy objects or weightlifting.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids rarely cause pain (and typically can’t be felt) unless they prolapse. Many people with internal hemorrhoids don’t know they have them because they don’t have symptoms.
If you have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, you might see blood on toilet paper, in stool or the toilet bowl. These are signs of rectal bleeding.
Signs of external hemorrhoids include:
- Itchy anus.
- Hard lumps near the anus that feel sore or tender.
- Pain or ache in the anus, especially when you sit.
- Rectal bleeding.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful and uncomfortable. You may be able to feel them bulging outside the anus and gently push them back inside.
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