Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are one of the most common diseases these days. How are piles diagnosed? Did you ask? So, we have decided to address this issue/question once.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are caused by enlarged and inflamed veins or blood vessels in and around your anus and lower rectum. This occurs when there is an increase in pressure on these veins. Hemorrhoids may be internal (within your anus) or external (under the skin surrounding your anus) (external).
How common are piles?
Hemorrhoids affect both men and women equally. By 50, almost half of all adults will develop hemorrhoids. During pregnancy and delivery, many women get hemorrhoids.
The strain of carrying a baby in your tummy puts additional pressure on the blood vessels in your pelvic region. Struggling to push the baby out while giving birth adds to the strain on these blood vessels.
What causes hemorrhoids?
If you do any of the following, you may get hemorrhoids:
- Frequently squeezing during bowel motions
- Are you pregnant? Do you have a family history of hemorrhoids?
- Are above the age of 65 and suffer from long-term or chronic constipation or diarrhea
What are the symptoms of piles?
Symptoms differ from individual to person. The following are some of the most prevalent symptoms:
- Blood in your stool, on your toilet paper, or in your toilet bowl is bright crimson.
- Anxiety and pain in the area surrounding your anus
- A firm bump or swelling around your anus
- Itching
Hemorrhoid symptoms might mimic those of other health issues. To be specific, always consult your healthcare practitioner.
How are piles diagnosed?
Blood in the stool may also indicate other digestive problems, such as colorectal cancer. It’s critical to visit your doctor for a thorough examination. Several tests may be performed by your healthcare professional to determine whether you have hemorrhoids, including:
Physical examination. This is done to examine your anus and rectum for enlarged blood vessels, which indicate hemorrhoids. You are examining the digital rectum (DRE). Your healthcare professional inserts a gloved, greased (lubricated) finger into your rectum to check for any issues.
Proctoscopy. An illuminated tube is inserted into your anus. This provides an overview of your whole rectum.
Sigmoidoscopy. This test examines the interior of a section of your large intestine.
It aids in determining what is causing diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding. A short, flexible, illuminated tube (sigmoidoscope) is inserted via the rectum into your gut.
This tube forces air into your heart, causing it to expand. This improves visibility inside. If necessary, a tissue sample (biopsy) may be obtained.
Colonoscopy. This test examines the whole length of your big intestine. It may aid in the detection of any abnormal growths, red or swollen tissue, sores (ulcers), or bleeding.
A colonoscope is a long, flexible, illuminated tube inserted into your rectum and then into your colon. This tube allows your doctor to examine the lining of your colon and obtain a tissue sample (biopsy) to evaluate it. They may also be able to remedy any issues that are discovered.
How are hemorrhoids treated?
Your healthcare practitioner will develop a treatment plan for you based on the following factors:
- Your age, general health, and medical history
- What the gravity of your situation is
- Whether you have internal or external hemorrhoids or both, how well you tolerate various medications, treatments, or therapies.
- If your situation is likely to deteriorate,
- What you intend to do
