...

What are Haemorrhoids or Piles?

Haemorrhoids, often known as piles, are dilated blood vessels located internally or externally around the anus, which is the hole through which stool is expelled from the body. Haemorrhoids frequently result in pain, discomfort, and disruptions in daily activities.

Depending on the location of the piles, they can be classified into  4 grades, depending on whether they remain internal or stick out externally. Grades 2 are internal, while Grades III and IV occasionally stick out, need to be pushed back in, or are constantly out. 

  • Internal Haemorrhoids or Piles (Grades 1 and 2): The swollen blood vessels are found inside the anus and are not externally visible. They might not cause any pain.
  • External Haemorrhoids or Piles (Grades 3 and 4): The swollen blood vessels are found externally near the anus. These are particularly bothersome since they usually cause pain and itching in the surrounding area.

In some cases, haemorrhoids can be treated with home remedies. If they are unresponsive to home remedies and lifestyle changes alone, effective surgical and non-surgical treatment methods are available.

What is Haemorrhoid Grading?

Haemorrhoids are grouped into four stages depending on how much they protrude from the anus and whether they can go back in on their own. Here’s how each stage is defined:

  • Grade 1: These are internal haemorrhoids that remain inside the anal canal. They’re usually small, not visible from the outside, and don’t protrude.
  • Grade 2: These may push out of the anus during straining or bowel movements but typically slip back inside on their own without needing any help.
  • Grade 3: These piles also protrude during bowel movements, but unlike Grade 2, they don’t go back in by themselves. You’ll need to gently push them back in manually.
  • Grade 4: This is the most severe type. The haemorrhoids stay permanently outside the anus and cannot be pushed back in. They often cause discomfort and may require surgical treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Haemorrhoids or Piles?

The symptoms of haemorrhoids or piles vary based on their type.

1. Internal Haemorrhoid Symptoms:

  • Bright red blood in the stool usually passes without any pain
  • Pain and irritation 

2. External Haemorrhoid Symptoms:

  • Externally appears as a lump near the anus
  • Bright red streaks of blood in the stool or mucus discharge
  • Irritation of skin around the anus, called perianal skin
  • Inflammation or swelling around the anus
  • Pain or discomfort often exacerbated by bowel movements

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Some haemorrhoids may heal or fall off using home remedies or lifestyle modifications. Most haemorrhoids occur with a background of having hard stools, being constipated or having to push or strain in the toilet. Often they also occur in women who have been pregnant, due to the pressure of either carrying a child or giving birth. It is always best to get yourself looked at by a doctor if you experience any rectal bleeding. This is because rectal bleeding can indicate the presence of other critical conditions.

If haemorrhoid symptoms persist or worsen even after a week of trying home remedies, you should consult a doctor to discuss further treatment options. You should seek medical care immediately  if you experience the following symptoms:

  • Extreme pain
  • Heavy persistent bleeding or darker blood in stool
  • Fever
  • Chills 
  • Pus discharge
  • Dizziness
  • Inability to pass urine

Untreated haemorrhoids or piles may lead to complications, ranging from persistent bleeding and infections to strangulated haemorrhoids (clots formed in external haemorrhoids). Many patients are hesitant to seek treatment for haemorrhoids. Keep in mind that doctors are very used to treating piles. We look forward to assisting you.

What Causes Haemorrhoids or Piles?

A specific cause has not been identified for haemorrhoids yet. Based on clinical evidence, factors contributing to increased pressure in the blood vessels near the anus are correlated to the occurrence of haemorrhoids or piles. 

Some risk factors that increase the likelihood of piles include:

  • Consistently straining during bowel movements or chronic constipation
  • Chronic diarrhoea
  • Obesity
  • Ageing
  • Pregnancy
  • Family history
  • Chronic cough
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Long periods of sitting down

What Increases Your Risk of Haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids form when pressure builds up in the veins around your rectum or anus. Some people are more prone to them based on their lifestyle, habits, or health conditions. Here’s what can raise your risks:

  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Chronic constipation
  • Chronic diarrhoea
  • Sitting too long on the toilet
  • Low-fibre diet
  • Pregnancy
  • Ageing
  • Obesity
  • Frequent heavy lifting
  • Chronic cough or sneezing
  • Family history

How are Haemorrhoids or Piles Diagnosed?

The doctor will listen carefully to your concerns, and symptoms, including their severity and duration, and ask for a detailed medical history. Make sure you inform the doctor of any other symptoms you are experiencing, including bowel habit changes and weight fluctuations. These might indicate other underlying conditions.

To get a clearer picture, your doctor may also do one or more of the following:

  • Digital rectal exam: They’ll gently insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel for any swelling or unusual lumps.
  • Anoscopy: This involves using a short, tube-like device with a light (called an anoscope) to look inside the anus and lower rectum.
  • Sigmoidoscopy: This is a deeper look into the lower part of your colon and rectum using a longer tube with a camera. It can be either flexible or rigid depending on the situation.

These tests aren’t usually painful, though they might feel a bit uncomfortable. Most are done right in the clinic.

What are the Treatment Options for Haemorrhoids or Piles?

Several surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available for effective haemorrhoid treatment

1. Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Haemorrhoids or Piles

  • Lifestyle Modifications and Dietary Changes
    Consuming a high-fibre diet or fibre supplements, increasing fluid intake, avoiding straining or spending too much time in the toilet, and not ignoring the urge to pass stools are some steps you can take at home to ease haemorrhoid symptoms. Piles can often heal by themselves. However, persistent or worsening symptoms require medical attention.
  • Medication
    Topical haemorrhoid creams and ointments, painkillers, and laxatives can be used to ease symptoms while the haemorrhoids heal. Many of these are available over-the-counter.
  • Haemorrhoid Banding
    In haemorrhoid banding or rubber band ligation, a rubber band is placed around the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. This causes piles to fall out by themselves within a few days of banding. Haemorrhoid banding does not require an overnight hospital stay. This can be done as a one-stop treatment during your initial consultation with us in an outpatient clinic setting. Read more information about Haemorrhoid banding to treat piles.

You may get some discomfort or ache or a sensation of needing to open your bowels for a few days afterwards, but generally, it is well tolerated, and patients often don’t need time off work. This is normally suited for grades 1 and 2 haemorrhoids or if the main prevailing symptom is bleeding.

2. Surgical Treatment Options for Haemorrhoids or Piles

  • Haemorrhoidectomy
    This procedure involves removing the haemorrhoids by cutting them off. General anaesthesia will be administered before surgery. This is often quite painful afterwards but works well in removing the haemorrhoids, particularly large external ones (grades 3 and 4). Read more information about Haemorrhoidectomy Surgery.

  • Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HALO) or Transanal Haemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD)
    This procedure involves closing the blood vessels that are responsible for blood flow into the haemorrhoids. This causes the piles to reduce in size and eventually go away. These are minimally invasive procedures.
  • Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty
    Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty is an alternative to a haemorrhoidectomy, where the haemorrhoids are shrunk internally using lasers. This is a short procedure that is minimally invasive. Read more about Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty

We will ensure that you have the information required to be actively involved in choosing the best course of action. The doctor will take you through the benefits and risks of each treatment option.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Recurrence

If you’ve had haemorrhoids before, a few small changes in your daily habits can help keep them from returning:

  • Eat more fibre (fruits, veggies, and whole grains).
  • Drink plenty of water daily.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Avoid sitting for long periods.
  • Don’t sit too long on the toilet.
  • Go to the toilet when you feel the urge.
  • Keep the anal area clean and dry.
  • Avoid straining during bowel movements.
  • Use a footstool while on the toilet.
  • Increase fibre gradually to avoid bloating.
  • Lift heavy objects with your legs, not your back.
  • Manage stress with relaxation techniques.
  • Use soothing creams or wipes if needed.
  • Soak in warm baths to ease discomfort.

Why Choose the Leicester Bowel Clinic?

Book a consultation with us to get treatment for your condition.

At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders.

Want to book an appointment?

Connect with
us now

Book a consultation
Request a call back

Pricing

Consultations start at

£200

Request a call back by filling out the contact form to the right.

We look forward to assisting you!

request a call back

Our Locations

Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital

  • Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
  • To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685

*Free on-site parking is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. How can I get rid of piles fast?

To ease piles quickly, try to reduce swelling and help the area heal. Use soothing creams or ointments, take warm baths, apply a cold pack to reduce pain, and eat high-fibre foods to make stools easier to pass without straining.

02. When should I be worried about haemorrhoids or piles?

Many cases of haemorrhoids can heal by themselves with the support of appropriate lifestyle modifications and dietary changes. However, persistent and worsening haemorrhoid symptoms warrant medical attention.

03. Can haemorrhoids or piles fall off naturally?

Some haemorrhoids fall off naturally. However, this is not true in all cases. Neglecting haemorrhoids, despite persistent symptoms, can potentially lead to several complications. It is recommended that you consult a doctor if you suspect that you may have haemorrhoids or piles.

04. What is the best treatment for haemorrhoids or piles?

Several treatment options are available for effective treatment of haemorrhoids or piles including dietary changes, haemorrhoid creams and ointments, medication, haemorrhoid banding, and surgery.

05. How long do haemorrhoids or piles last?

The duration of haemorrhoids depends on their severity. Some cases are acute, with the piles clearing up in a few days. In more advanced cases, it takes longer to heal. Your doctor will be able to help you with an expected timeline for the treatment and healing process.

Related Blog

{"cpt":"blog","style":"1","columns":"3","show":26,"from_category":["haemorrhoids"],"order":"DESC","orderby":"none"}