When to Seek Medical Treatment for Hemorrhoids

: By Kajal Khandelwal

Hemorrhoids or piles are common, especially among people aged 45 to 70. Hemorrhoids are the normal blood vessels that are present in the anal canal and rectum, but sometimes they enlarge due to various reasons and cause pain, itching, or bleeding that requires immediate attention for faster relief, but many times they go away on their own.

But sometimes a visit to the doctor is necessary, and many people seek medical help, whether for a more specific medication or, in some cases, simple hemorrhoid surgery. You can find many home remedies or Ayurvedic treatments for piles, but they may not work in every case. However, there are instances when medical treatment becomes necessary to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms, prevention, causes, and when to seek medical treatment for piles.

Understanding Hemorrhoids

Before knowing when to seek medical treatment for piles, you should know the type, symptoms, and causes of this condition. A pile is the swollen, bulging veins that develop around the anus and the lowest part of the rectum. When pressure increases on the vascular cushion in the rectum, it becomes the cause of discomfort, pain, bleeding, swelling, and piles.

There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum, so you won't be able to see them. It does not cause severe pain or discomfort; the only internal hemorrhoid symptom may be red blood on the toilet paper, and another symptom you may notice is a bulge protruding from your anus. External piles occur on the skin around the anus, and in comparison to internal piles, they are generally more painful. The symptoms include severe pain, especially when sitting or during bowel movements, itching, bleeding, and swelling.

The cause of piles can be more than one, many times depending on the age type. For instance, if piles happen at the age of 20 to 40, then the most probable reason behind this sedentary lifestyle, those who spend long hours sitting at the desk, Low fiber intake, which leads to constipation, these are the most common cause of piles, and pregnancy can also increase the risk of piles due to the increased pressure on the pelvic area.

Chronic pain from constipation in middle-aged adults in their 40s to 50s is common; it’s happened at this age due to digestive-related issues, and other factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity contribute to the piles in this age.

At the age of 60, the muscles of the rectal become weakened as a result of rectal prolapse, a condition where the rectum protrudes from the anus, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids. Mobility issues also lead to piles because prolonged periods of sitting or lying and being physically inactive are the major causes of piles in the 60s.

When to Seek Medical Treatment

While following some home remedies or ayurvedic treatments like ayurvedic herbs, drinking plenty of water, and taking ayurvedic pile capsules can manage piles easily at home, certain circumstances warrant medical attention. These include:

If you have experienced persistent discomfort, pain, bleeding, and swelling for more than a week, then it's time to consult with your doctor. While some symptoms of piles can be treated on their own, in some cases they require a doctor’s help. Your doctor can recommend treatment according to the severity of your condition.

If you notice bleeding during or after a bowel movement, you should consult with your healthcare provider. Excessive bleeding is a common symptom of piles, but it could also be an indication of other severe conditions, such as colon or anal cancer, that need medical evaluation. If you are experiencing this issue, then you should soon visit your doctor to address the cause of the bleeding.

If an internal hemorrhoid becomes severely inflamed, it protrudes outside the anus and cannot be pushed back in, causing severe pain and bleeding. Early treatment for this condition is really important; otherwise, it makes your condition worse. Your doctor will recommend the best medicine for piles or other treatment according to the situation.

If you are experiencing any changes in bowel movement, such as chronic pain, constipation, or diarrhea, then immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent further hemorrhoid complications.

If you have tried all the home remedies for piles for over a week but still not getting any relief from pile symptoms, then it might be time to consult with your health care provider.

If piles are making it hard for you to sit or have a bowel movement, it’s time to give a call to your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe appropriate pain management strategies to help alleviate your discomfort.

Treatment Options for Pile

Treatment of the piles depends on the severity of the symptoms and the type of hemorrhoids present. Treatment includes:

Rubber Band Ligation: This is an effective method for treating the issue of internal piles. It works by cutting the blood supplies with the rubber band. In the producer, the doctor inserts a small tool called a ligate through a light tube called a scope into the anus, grasping the hemorrhoids and causing them to shrink and fall off within a few days.

Surgery involves injecting the chemical solution into the blood vessel, which helps to shrink piles and lumps.

Infrared Coagulation: is a non-surgical procedure for piles that uses heat on clot veins to cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical treatment for piles to remove piles; however, it is associated with a higher rate of complications.

Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: This is a surgical procedure that removes hemorrhoidal tissue using a stapling device.

Ayurvedic Treatment: Ayurveda practitioners recommend a therapy for piles called the Kshara Sutra. This works by cutting off the blood supply to the veins, allowing the pile mass to shrink in 7 to 10 days. Other treatments, like ayurvedic pile capsules made with effective ayurvedic herbs, are the best medicine for piles. Ayurvedic medicine aims to bring and maintain the natural doshas to improve overall health. It contains all the potent herbs that treat digestive disorders and reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, piles are a common condition and can be improved by using some home remedies, but if you do not get relief from its symptoms even after using home remedies for 7 days, then you should visit your doctor for prompt relief from its symptoms and to prevent further hemorrhoid complications.

Treatment of piles depends on the type of pile and its symptoms. In the initial stage, you can cure it by increasing fiber intake, making some lifestyle changes, and drinking 3 to 4 liters of water a day, which can contribute to better bowel movements. If using these methods does not improve your condition, do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for guidance and treatment options.