What are haemorrhoids or piles?

Haemorrhoids or piles FAQs:

Haemorrhoids or piles FAQs:

Inclusions:

• I know that many people suffer from Haemorrhoids or piles. Do I really need treatment, or do haemorrhoids or piles go away on their own?

  A: The pain and bleeding from haemorrhoids can be a recurrent discomfort, so you will want relief. In some cases, haemorrhoids may lead to complications, such as strangulated or thrombosed haemorrhoids. So it’s best to seek medical advice and follow the line of treatment.

• How will exercising help my haemorrhoids?

  A: Exercising can reduce the pressure on veins, which builds up due to long periods of sitting or standing. If you are overweight, exercise can help you to lose weight. Being active and fit also helps to prevent constipation, so it’s helpful for haemorrhoids.

• If I experience bleeding during bowel movements, can I know for sure that I have haemorrhoids or piles?

  A: No, actually there are many medical conditions that may cause this, and some of them are serious. So don’t assume that you have haemorrhoids or piles, meet your doctor and get a proper diagnosis.

• I have had haemorrhoids in the past. Should I take fibre supplements?

  A: Fibre is good for your health; it prevents constipation and normalises bowel movements. It’s best if you can get fibre from food, such as fruits, vegetables and beans. However, if you feel you are not getting enough from food, you can opt for fibre supplements.

• Can I avoid the haemorrhoids or piles surgery? Can it be dangerous?

  A: If untreated, haemorrhoids may cause complications such as anaemia which may cause generalized weakness from the chronic blood loss during defecation. There is a risk of developing strangulated haemorrhoids where the blood supply of a prolapsed pile gets occluded by the constriction of the anal sphincter

• Can we really get rid of haemorrhoids without the painful surgery?

  A: Laser haemorrhoids treatment represents the single best advanced procedure that occurred in haemorrhoids treatment during the last decade. It is easy, painless, fast and very effective with permanent results. All patients can return to work and their normal daily activities on the same day of their treatment.

• What do I feel during haemorrhoids or piles procedure?

  A: It's like taking a small nap! All you will feel is a small needle prick during your preparation for the procedure. The entire haemorrhoids surgery takes about 30 minutes.

• What do I expect after my haemorrhoids treatment?

  A: After your haemorrhoids treatment, the nurse will go over few instructions and you will be given a prescription for few medications and an appointment for a post-operative check-up by the doctor few days later.

  The majority of haemorrhoids patients do not feel the need to take any pain medications, some they need a mild analgesic. We advise most patients to do warm sitz bath twice a day for the few days following the treatment and we prescribe a stool softener for two weeks.

• When can I go home after laser haemorrhoids treatment?

  A: If your operation is planned as a day care procedure, you can go home as soon as the effect of the anaesthetic has worn off, you have passed urine and you are comfortable, eating and drinking. Since a general anaesthetic is used, it is advisable that a responsible adult takes you home and stays with you for 24 hours. 

  Before you are discharged, you will be advised about post-operative care, painkillers and laxatives.

• What are my visits to the toilet going to be like?

  A: You will normally open your bowels within 2-3 days of your haemorrhoids or piles operation. This may be uncomfortable at first and there could be a sense of 'urgency'(need to rush to the toilet). You may notice mild blood loss after each bowel movement, but this will gradually reduce over the next few days. Maintain hygiene and wash and keep the wound clean.

  It is important to maintain a regular bowel movement that should be well formed but soft. You may need to take prescribed laxatives for 2-4 weeks. Eating a high fibre diet and increasing water / fluid intake will help.

• When will I get back to my routine activities?

  A: You can return to normal physical when you feel comfortable. You can return to work usually by the 5th day after the haemorrhoids or piles surgery, although this also depends on the type of work you do.

• How can I treat hemorrhoids at home?

  A: When in its early stages, haemorrhoids, which are commonly known as piles, can be treated at home. Some home remedies that you can use include- 

  Triphala powder: This is an ayurvedic formula that prevents constipation, which is a major cause of piles.

  You can also use Castor oil, which is known to be anti-oxidant rich, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. It reduces the size of the piles and reduces pain.

  Witch hazel is a plant with strong medicinal properties. It can reduce pain, itching and swelling of haemorrhoids. 

  Aloe has been used for ages to treat haemorrhoids as it helps reduce irritation.

  Besides these, a warm bath with Epsom salts for 20 minutes may also reduce the pain caused by haemorrhoids.

  If home remedies don’t work, book an appointment with a Medcare specialist for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan today.

• When should you see a doctor for hemorrhoids?

  A: In the case of an uncomplicated situation, your first visit should be to your family physician, who will probably prescribe the usual medicated creams, ointments and suppositories based on your condition. You can also control haemorrhoids on your own by eating more fibre and not sitting down for prolonged periods. Purchasing special cushions for haemorrhoids can also provide relief.

  However, some signs will indicate that your haemorrhoids are getting worse. These include rectal bleeding, painful bowel movements, painful lumps near the anus and if your regular medication like haemorrhoid creams aren't working. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

  Don't be casual with a haemorrhoid condition; book a consultation with a Medcare specialist today.

• Can hemorrhoids be a sign of cancer?

  A: Haemorrhoids and colon cancer are two different conditions which happen to have similar symptoms. While haemorrhoids can be treated easily, they are not indicative of cancer.

  Colon cancer, on the other hand, is a malignant tumour in the large intestine. Its symptoms resemble those of a few other conditions, including haemorrhoids. Some of these symptoms are blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, unsatisfactory bowel movement, cramping and sudden weight loss.

  If you experience sudden rectal bleeding or if you have diarrhoea or constipation along with bleeding, call your doctor immediately.

  Still not sure what your symptoms could mean? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist for a consultation and accurate diagnosis.

• Is laser treatment good for haemorrhoids or piles?

  A: Laser treatment for haemorrhoids or piles has been known to have a high success rate. It is non-surgical, non-intrusive and has no major side-effects. Some additional advantages of laser surgery are its low recurrence rate, no anaesthesia and the fact that it can be completed in the course of a day.

  ​So, laser surgery is an ideal option for treating both, external and internal haemorrhoids.

  However, laser surgery may not be required for all grades of haemorrhoids. If you do have piles, you are advised to seek medical advice before opting for this treatment.

  Considering laser treatment for haemorrhoids or piles but are not sure whether it will help? Consult a Medcare specialist today to get the best treatment.

• What is the recovery time for hemorrhoid laser surgery?

  A: Most people leave the hospital on the same day after their laser surgery. Though typically, the recovery time tends to vary between one and three weeks.

  This is one of the biggest advantages of haemorrhoid laser surgery; not only does it reduce the recovery time, but it also eases accompanying pain considerably. 

  It's a proven fact that patients experience less pain after a laser procedure than they do with standard cold scalpel surgeries. However, if you are in pain, you can try common pain relief medications as prescribed by your doctor.

  Want to know if getting laser surgery for your haemorrhoids is the right move? Book an appointment with a Medcare haemorrhoids or piles specialist today.