Hemorrhoids: A Pile of Misery

Hemorrhoids: A Pile of Misery

Hemorrhoid or Piles (in layman's term) is the most common problem afflicting the anal canal.


It is estimated that one in four adults is affected by it. If you've experienced painless anal bleeding and itching, painful swelling or lump near the anus, burning sensation or pain during or after bowel movements - then you probably have hemorrhoids or piles. However, not many people know much about the disease.

Piles come about when the hemorrhoidal tissues enlarge as a result of excessive straining or pressure while passing stool. These could develop from the type of lifestyle and dietary habits of the individual. Occupations that involve prolonged sitting (example truck drivers) or standing could develop piles. Other factors like obesity, pregnancy during childbirth, heredity or even certain habits like reading in the toilet can cause hemorrhoids too.

There are basically two types of piles: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoid cause painless bleeding. Occasionally, straining can push an internal pile through the anal opening, giving rise to prolapsed hemorrhoids.

External hemorrhoids are lumps outside the anus. It can swell or become thrombosis causing pain and bleeding. Usually with bright red colored blood.

When it comes to treatment, we have to consider the degree of the hemorrhoids. And there are basically four degrees.

The first degree - internal hemorrhoids that bleed with defecation but not prolapsed. The treatment of medication such as cream or ointment is often sufficient.

The second degree - internal hemorrhoids protrude on defecation but returns spontaneously thereafter. Here, the use of rubber band ligation could be used. The procedure consist of tying the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its circulation. About ten days later, the hemorrhoids painlessly fall off.

The third degree piles are protrusion seen outside the anus. Fourth degree piles are those irreducible and remain persistently prolapsed. For both of these types of piles, surgery is needed. You can expect a lot of pain and discomfort at the lower part of the anal canal as here the skin is richly innervated with nerve fibers.

Now, there's an alternative to painful surgery with a procedure called 'Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy'. Here a cuff of rectal mucous membrane and hemorrhoidal tissue is excised above the sensitive part of the anal canal, using a stapling instrument. It does not leave a large or raw wound, hence less painful.

This procedure is more expensive but has become popular over the last three years. However, it cannot be performed on all cases of hemorrhoids such as external hemorrhoid and those with excessive skin tags.

Piles are preventable and symptoms can be controlled if managed at an early stage without resorting to medication or surgery. A diet high in fiber can prevent constipation and excessive straining associated with it. My advice is to start now, unless you want to accumulate "a pile of misery" any time soon!.

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