What is Hemorrhoid (Piles)? Symptoms and Treatment

Hemorrhoid, commonly known as piles or "mayasıl" in Turkish, is a condition caused by the relaxation and outward sagging of the veins around the anus.

Hemorrhoid, also known as piles or "mayasıl" in everyday language, is a disease that occurs due to the relaxation and outward sagging of the veins around the anus. This condition, which can be painful, may reduce the individual's quality of life. The exact cause of hemorrhoid disease, which can arise from many different factors, is often unclear. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include changes in bowel habits, bleeding from the anus, and pain. If these symptoms are present, one should consult a doctor without delay. Hemorrhoids can be seen in two different forms: external hemorrhoids and internal hemorrhoids. This condition, which affects one in every four people in society from time to time, is referred to as external or external hemorrhoids when it occurs on the outer part of the anus and under the skin, while it is called internal hemorrhoids when it occurs in the final part of the large intestine.

What is Hemorrhoid?

The question "What is hemorrhoid?" can be answered as a condition caused by problems in the veins of the anus or rectum, located after the large intestine. Hemorrhoids, a disease similar to varicose veins in the legs, occur due to the enlargement or swelling of the veins in the anus or rectal area. This condition can sometimes cause the swollen veins to sag outside the anus. In some cases, these swollen veins may cause bleeding due to compression. Hemorrhoids are treatable, but if left untreated, over time, the swollen veins can protrude from the anus and form what is called a "hemorrhoidal mass." The question "What does hemorrhoid mean?" can be answered in this way as well. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids, or "internal piles," typically do not cause pain, while external hemorrhoids are often painful. Clots can form in the swollen veins, leading to severe pain, swelling, and redness, which are common signs of hemorrhoids. The frequently asked question "What is hemorrhoid?" can be answered in this manner.

What are the Stages of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoid treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease, so understanding the stages of hemorrhoids is extremely important. When hemorrhoids are examined with pictures, the severity of the sagging and the stages of hemorrhoids can be seen. There are four stages of hemorrhoids:

1. Stage 1: Characterized by bleeding that may stain toilet paper, in some cases, hemorrhoid bleeding may drip. The hemorrhoid tissue visible with rectoscopy is not visible with the naked eye. In other words, in this stage, hemorrhoids do not protrude outside the anus.
2. Stage 2: The hemorrhoid sags outside during defecation and then retracts spontaneously. Therefore, the person may not notice the hemorrhoidal mass.
3. Stage 3: The mass, known as a hemorrhoidal mass, is outside the anus. Painful hemorrhoids often lead to swelling. The hemorrhoidal mass only returns inside the anus when pushed with a finger.
4. Stage 4: In this stage, when the hemorrhoid protrudes outside the anus, the hemorrhoidal mass is usually large and moist. After defecation, the person may not be able to clean thoroughly. As a result, the person frequently notices staining in their underwear. Pain may occur when sitting.

What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are characterized by the sagging of the vein network around the anus due to the relaxation of veins, causing the veins to protrude outside the anus. Hemorrhoids can occur inside the anus, in the lower part of the rectum (the final part of the large intestine), or under the skin around the anus. Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women, and one in four people experience them. The symptoms of hemorrhoids vary depending on the type:

External Hemorrhoid Symptoms
External hemorrhoids, which protrude outside the body, can worsen with straining, pushing, or during cleaning. Common external hemorrhoid symptoms include:

• Presence of blood in stool,
• Swelling or painful lumps near the anus causing itching,
• Itching and discomfort around the anus,
• Pain that increases when sitting.

Internal Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Internal hemorrhoids, located inside the anus, usually do not cause pain. Internal hemorrhoids may cause the following symptoms:

• Presence of blood in stool,
• Blood stains on toilet paper,
• Protrusion of hemorrhoidal mass from the anus.

Hemorrhoid symptoms can also be seen in other digestive diseases. Specifically, bleeding from the anus can also occur in ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or colon and rectal cancer. Therefore, hemorrhoids should not be treated with herbal remedies or over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications without consulting a doctor. Hemorrhoid medications or "hemorrhoid creams" should only be used if prescribed by a doctor, with the recommended dosage and duration. Before answering the question "How to get rid of hemorrhoidal mass?" it is important to answer the frequently asked question "What causes hemorrhoids?" or, in other words, "What causes piles?"

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

The veins located in the anal canal are defined as hemorrhoids. The enlargement or swelling of these veins leads to symptoms such as bleeding, pain, and/or itching. This condition is rarely seen before the age of 20 but is most commonly observed in individuals aged 45 to 65. Hemorrhoids, which are very common in society, usually develop as a result of prolonged constipation and spending too much time on the toilet. Difficulty during bowel movements affects blood flow in the area, and over time, the blood in the veins pools, leading to the formation of hemorrhoids. This condition is also the cause of hemorrhoids seen during pregnancy.

How is Hemorrhoid Diagnosed?

A significant number of people experiencing hemorrhoid problems are reluctant to see a doctor. As a result, they often try to alleviate their discomfort by using hemorrhoid creams or medications they hear about from others. Using hemorrhoid creams without medical advice in the presence of common hemorrhoid symptoms such as bleeding can prolong the treatment process or result in a delayed diagnosis of an underlying condition. One of the frequently asked questions in this situation is, "Which doctor should I visit for hemorrhoids?" For hemorrhoid problems, one should visit a general surgery clinic. The doctor will first listen to the patient’s history and then perform a physical examination. If external hemorrhoids are present, the diagnosis can be made quickly. For internal hemorrhoids, additional tests such as an anal canal or rectal examination or a colonoscopy may be needed. The diagnosis is made based on the results of the findings.

How is Hemorrhoid Treated?

External hemorrhoids, if they do not cause discomfort or reduce the individual's quality of life, may not require treatment. Internal hemorrhoids, however, are treated with medication. The stage of the hemorrhoids also influences the treatment method. The treatment of stage 1 and stage 2 hemorrhoids is usually done with medication. The doctor may prescribe creams, ointments, or tablets. These medications help relieve burning, pain, or swelling in the anal area, relax the anal muscles, and alleviate the hemorrhoids. Another non-surgical treatment is sitz baths. In this treatment, the individual sits in a warm water-filled tub, which helps relieve the hemorrhoids. In sclerotherapy, an injection is given to the area to reduce the prolapse. For stage 2 and stage 3 hemorrhoids, various outpatient procedures may be performed. The specific procedure is determined after examination and evaluation. For stage 3 and stage 4 hemorrhoids, surgery is required. General or local anesthesia is used for the most effective surgical treatment of hemorrhoids. The likelihood of recurrence after hemorrhoid surgery is very low.

If you or someone close to you has hemorrhoids and would like detailed information about diagnosis and treatment methods, you can visit the nearest healthcare facility.