Common symptoms of piles include pain and itching in the anal area, blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement, a sensation of a lump near the anus, as well as mucus discharge from the anus. To diagnose haemorrhoids, a doctor will first conduct a physical examination.
This typically involves a visual inspection of the anus and surrounding area. If internal haemorrhoids are suspected, they may perform a digital rectal exam, in which the doctor will gently insert a lubricated and gloved finger into the rectum to feel for the presence of haemorrhoids. In a few cases, an additional test called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy might be recommended to rule out other serious causes of bleeding, such as colorectal polyps or cancer. If you notice signs and symptoms of piles, make an appointment with our doctor at or WhatsApp us to receive an accurate diagnosis.
This centres around reducing constipation and symptomatic relief. You may be recommended to increase your fibre intake not excessively or take laxatives in order to soften your stools.
You may also try sitting in a warm sitz bath to help relax the anal muscles, provide pain relief and improve blood flow. Topical creams or oral medication may also be used to temporarily ease inflammation and itching and other symptoms.
Should the above conservative methods not work, your piles surgeon may recommend minimally invasive treatments such as rubber band ligation. In the first method, a rubber band will be placed around the base of the piles, restricting its blood supply and causing it wither and die off within a few days. In cases where the above conservative and minimally invasive methods prove insufficient, piles surgery haemorrhoidectomy may then be recommended.
