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How Can I Get Rid of Piles?

Piles, or hemorrhoids, occur in more than half the U.S. population over the age of 30. The condition is characterized by engorged blood vessels inside or outside the anus, or in the lower rectum. In some cases, these vessels may rupture, leading to the presence of blood in the stool. Depending on the severity of damage, getting rid of hemorrhoids may involve self-care, lifestyle and dietary changes or surgery.

  1. Internal and External Hemorrhoids

    • In addition to painless bleeding, symptoms of internal hemorrhoids may include anal itching and the protrusion of veins from the anus during bowel movements. In some cases, these protruding veins may collapse (prolapse) through the anal sphincter, resulting in severe pain. External hemorrhoids may be painless, but tissue sensitivity can make them quite painful. These hemorrhoids also sometimes develop thrombosis (blood clots), followed by transformation into painful lumps.

    Home Remedies and Lifestyle Modifications

    • Many people avoid treatment of their hemorrhoids due to embarrassment associated with the condition. However, effective home care and lifestyle modifications can help. Begin treating yourself by altering your diet. Hemorrhoids frequently result from overstraining during bowel movements, and you can reduce the need to strain by eating high-fiber foods to soften your stool. Examples include raspberries, apples, pears, whole-wheat pasta, barley, avocados, oat bran and cooked beans, lentils and peas. Fiber supplements such as psyllium are available in pill, powder and liquid form. You will also benefit greatly from drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.

      Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are also factors in hemorrhoid development. Lose weight if you are carrying extra pounds, and participate in physical activities or exercise on a regular basis. You may be particularly susceptible if your job involves long periods of sitting, so be sure to get the activity you need. If you are suffering from a painful episode of hemorrhoids you may benefit from a sitz bath, a technique that involves sitting in warm water for roughly 10 minutes at a time. Frequently, home remedies and lifestyle changes are sufficient to decrease or eliminate hemorrhoid symptoms.

    Consulting Your Doctor

    • Despite the social sensitivity of hemorrhoids, you should strongly consider seeing your doctor for an examination. While you may have nothing more than hemorrhoids, anal bleeding and discomfort can be signs of much more serious conditions, and only a qualified health-care professional can identify and treat other potential causes. To temporarily ease your discomfort, your doctor may suggest use of an over-the-counter cream, suppository, ointment or medicated pad.

    Removal and Surgery

    • If your condition is painful and persistent, your hemorrhoids may be serious enough to require removal or surgical treatment. Popular removal methods include rubber band ligation (constriction), sclerotherapy (injection of a shrinking solution) and coagulation, which uses infrared light or lasers to shrivel hemorrhoidal tissue. Surgical methods include cutting away hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidectomy) and stapling to block your hemorrhoids' blood supply. Hemorrhoidectomy carries potential risk of infection and bladder difficulties. Hemorrhoid stapling carries risk of rectal protrusion (prolapse) through the anus, as well as recurrence of hemorrhoids themselves. Consult your doctor for full removal and surgical guidelines.

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