Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the last part of the digestive tract, through which solid waste (faeces) exits the body, that can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. While mild cases often resolve with home remedies and lifestyle changes, some situations require medical intervention. Ignoring severe symptoms can lead to complications, so recognising the warning signs is crucial. Dr Amita Jain, the leading piles specialist and surgeon in Delhi, shares signs to look out for.
What are some of the signs that show your piles or haemorrhoids need medical intervention?
Persistent Pain and Discomfort
Mild haemorrhoids may cause temporary discomfort, but if the pain becomes persistent and severe, it could indicate a more serious condition. Thrombosed haemorrhoids, where a blood clot forms within an external haemorrhoid, can cause intense pain and require prompt medical attention. If you experience ongoing pain despite home treatment, consult a doctor.
Excessive or Prolonged Bleeding
Occasional light bleeding during bowel movements is common with haemorrhoids. However, if you notice excessive or prolonged bleeding, it may signal a more serious problem such as an anal fissure, infection, or even colorectal conditions. Bright red blood in the stool or on toilet paper should be monitored, and if it persists, seeking medical advice is essential.
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can sometimes extend outside the anal opening, known as prolapsed hemorrhoids. While minor prolapse may retract on its own, severe cases can become painful, swollen, and difficult to push back inside. If you experience discomfort, irritation, or difficulty managing prolapsed haemorrhoids, medical treatment might be necessary.
Chronic Itching and Irritation
Hemorrhoids can cause persistent itching and irritation around the anal area, leading to significant discomfort. If over-the-counter creams, sitz baths, and hygiene practices do not provide relief, a doctor can recommend appropriate treatments such as prescription medications or procedures to alleviate symptoms.
Changes in Bowel Movements
If haemorrhoids cause difficulty passing stool or lead to constipation, straining can worsen the condition. On the other hand, persistent diarrhoea can also aggravate haemorrhoids. If you notice significant changes in bowel habits that do not improve with dietary adjustments, a doctor can help address the underlying issue.
Swelling and Lumps
Large, swollen haemorrhoids can form hard lumps near the last part of the digestive tract, which may be tender or painful. If swelling increases and does not subside with home treatment, medical intervention may be required to prevent further complications.
Infection and Pus Formation
Though rare, haemorrhoids can become infected, leading to abscesses and pus formation. Symptoms such as fever, severe pain, and drainage of pus from the rectal area require immediate medical evaluation. An untreated infection can lead to more serious health issues.
When should you see a doctor for a piles issue?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the severity of your condition, options may include:
- Prescription medications for pain and inflammation
- Minimally invasive procedures like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or coagulation
- Surgical interventions for severe cases, such as hemorrhoidectomy
While haemorrhoids are common and often manageable with home care, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored. Seeking timely medical intervention can prevent complications, reduce discomfort, and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing significant pain, bleeding, prolapse, or other concerning symptoms, consult a healthcare professional to explore appropriate treatment options.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced senior surgeons who has conducted more than 1,00,000 successful surgeries, and has covered a wide spectrum of general and minimally invasive procedures. Dr Amita Jain is refered as the pioneer surgeon in the fields of Gallbladder stone removal surgery, appendix removal surgery, hernia repair surgery, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgery, fistula surgery and fissure surgeries.
With an outstanding career spanning over 29 years, Dr Amita Jain has earned her place among the top General and Laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India, known for her precision, compassion, and consistent surgical excellence. She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned as a surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo.
Dr Amita Jain currently serves as the Head of Department and Senior Consultant for General, Laparoscopic and Trauma Surgery at Artemis Lite Hospital, Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi) and Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi).