Symptoms of Piles

What are Piles?

    Piles are swellings found on the inside of the anal canal and can reach the size of a grape.  There are four types of piles with varying severity.

• First degree piles are swellings that are found on the inside of the anal canal, bleed, but cannot be seen from outside of the anus.

• Second degree piles are found in the same location but stick out of the anus when there is a bowel movement, but will return on their own shortly afterwards.

• Third degree piles also are larger and stick out just as second degree piles do, but will remain outside of the anus and must be pushed back in.

• Fourth degree piles cannot be pushed back inside.  They permanently rest below the anus and can become extremely swollen and very painful, especially if the blood inside of them clots.

Symptoms of Piles:

• Bright red blood coming from the anus, frequently noticed when wiping or in the toilet.

• Lump on the anus

• A slimy discharge of mucus, which may result in itching

• After a bowl movement, discomfort and even pain

• A feeling that you are not finished with the bowel movement, even when you are.

• Soiling underwear (this is typical of third or fourth degree piles).

Causes of Piles:

Doctors have not determined the exact cause of piles, but have determined that there are some risk factors:

• If you are typically constipated

• If you don't eat enough fiber in your diet.

• Chronic diahrrea

• Pregnancy - increased pressure of the baby on the blood vessels and abdomen

• Family history

• Cancer in pelvis or bowels

Diagnosis:

    You will be examined by your general practice docotor, and will probably include a rectal examination.  This will more than likely include a a proctoscope, which can be passed into your anal passage.  You may also be referred to a hospital specialist for this procedure.  At a hospital, your large bowel can be viewed with a colonoscopy.

Treatment:

• Keep bowel movements soft by eating plenty of fiber filled foods, such as wholegrain cereals and vegetables and fruits.

• Take regular warm baths to prevent and relieve irritation that occurs.

• Gentle laxatives may be acceptable, but be sure to ask your doctor befor using a laxative.

• Soothing creams, suppositories, and ointments may be able to help you with the itchiness and some of the pain.  Some of these products are available without a prescription.

There are several additional out-patient treatments that you can ask your doctor about.  They include:

1. Banding:  A small elastic band will be placed just above the pile to cut off the blood supply, leading it to fall off after a few days.

2. Sclerotherapy:  An oily solution called sclerosant is injected and causes the pile to shrink and fall off.

Inpatient treatments include:

1. Haemorrhoidectormy:  Piles are surgically removed while you are under general anaesthetic.  This surgery is typically only done on patients with third or fourth degree piles, and when other treatments have not worked.