How to Identify Types of Piles: Internal, External, and Thrombosed

Piles, or hemorrhoids, are a common but rather painful condition that affects the majority of the population, particularly adults older than 30. They develop when the veins in and around the anus or the lower rectum become inflamed or swollen. Though they might not be fatal, they can greatly impair the quality of life unless they are treated at the right time. Familiarity with the various types of piles is the stepping stone for effective management of them.

In this detailed blog post, we will help you in determining the three most common types of piles: internal, external, and thrombosed. Each will have different symptoms and treatment procedures. Early identification can aid you in getting proper care at the right time. If you have symptoms, consulting the best hospital for piles treatments can help you get an expert diagnosis of the piles symptoms and treatment specific to your condition.

Consider scheduling a consultation with a specialist today by calling +91 9667064100 to receive expert advice on managing piles effectively.

What Are Piles?

Piles are inflamed veins found in the lower rectum or anus. They can be developed either internally (within the rectum) or externally (outside the skin near the anus). Piles are caused by several reasons, including prolonged sitting, straining while passing stool, constipation, pregnancy, or obesity. We can categorize them into three types on a broad level:

• Internal Piles

• External Piles

• Thrombosed Piles

Let's study each of them separately.

1. Internal Piles

Internal piles develop within the rectum and are not visible or palpable in the initial phases. As there are no pain-sensing nerves in this region, internal piles do not lead to pain unless they are large or prolapse.

Symptoms:

• Bleeding in the rectum without pain either with or after a bowel movement

• Discharge of mucus

• Feeling of incomplete emptying

• Prolapse: In severe cases, internal piles protrude outside the anus and bring about pain or aching resulting in prolapse.

Stages: Internal piles are graded into

• Grade I: No prolapse, just bleeding

• Grade II: Prolapse on defecation but spontaneously retraces

• Grade III: Prolapse that needs to be manually reduced

• Grade IV: Prolapsed piles which cannot be pushed inside

Diagnosis: We generally do an anoscope or proctoscopy to look at internal piles. If the bleeding is chronic, you may have to undergo additional tests such as a colonoscopy to exclude other pathology.

Treatment:

• Lifestyle and dietary modifications

• Medications and topical therapy

• Minimally invasive treatments such as rubber band ligation or infrared coagulation

2. External Piles

External piles exist beneath the skin in the area surrounding the anus and are usually visible as lumps. They have more pain-sensitive nerves, so they can be painful, particularly on sitting or passing stools.

Symptoms:

• Pain or tenderness around the anal area

• Itching or irritation

• Swelling or lumps that are painful to touch

• Minor bleeding while passing stool

Diagnosis: External piles are often diagnosed by a physical examination. The physician can easily check the area to determine the size and severity of the hemorrhoids.

Treatment:

• Over-the-counter creams or ointments

• Painkillers

• Sitz baths (warm water baths for buttocks and hips)

• Surgical excision in severe situations

3. Thrombosed Piles

A thrombosed pile is an external pile where there is a blood clot within the hemorrhoidal vein. This creates a hard, tender lump around the anus and can necessitate urgent medical care.

Symptoms:

• Sharp and severe pain

• Inflammation and swelling

• Hard, bluish lump close to the opening in the anus

• Possible bleeding if the skin is broken

Diagnosis: The thrombosed piles can usually be diagnosed with a visual inspection. Your physician will check the size of the clot and decide on treatment.

Treatment:
 

• Cold compresses and analgesics to alleviate swelling

• In certain situations, the physician might do a small procedure to drain the clot.

• Surgery in case of recurring symptoms

What Causes Piles?

Several risk factors could result in piles:

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

• Straining during defecation

• Prolonged sitting, particularly on the toilet

• Low-fiber diet

• Obesity

• Pregnancy (because of enhanced pressure in pelvic veins)

• Aging

• Family history

How are Piles Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically starts with a physical examination and history taking. Other diagnostic methods are:

• Digital rectal exam

• Anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

• Colonoscopy (in the event of rectal bleeding or suspected other conditions)

Early diagnosis is important. If you have any of the above symptoms, it's best to seek consultation from the best piles surgery doctors in Noida for proper assessment and treatment.

Treatment Options for Piles

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Lifestyle modifications: Fiber diet, water intake, and avoiding straining

• Medications: Analgesics, laxatives, anti-inflammatory ointments

• Minimally invasive procedures: Rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, infrared coagulation

Surgical Options:

• Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical excision of piles, typically for severe or frequent cases

• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: Staples are applied to excise or reposition piles

• Thrombectomy: For thrombosed piles, surgical evacuation of the clot

Prevention Tips

Although piles are not always preventable, some preventive steps can significantly lower the risk:

• Consume a high-fiber diet (whole grains, fruits, vegetables)

• Drink adequate fluids

• Avoid sitting for long periods

• Stay physically active

• Empty the bowel as soon as possible

• Maintain healthy body weight

When to Seek Medical Attention

Don't neglect signs such as:

• Chronic bleeding during defecation

• Severe or sharp pain

• Hard masses near the anus

• Distinct bowel habit changes

Early treatment ensures a better prognosis. Experts at the best pile treatment hospital in Noida provide advanced diagnostic tools and comprehensive care for effective pile management.

Call now at +91 9667064100 and make your first move toward relief. Contact the best hospital in Noida and schedule your consultation today!

Conclusion

Piles are a manageable condition, especially when identified early and treated appropriately. Knowing the differences between internal, external, and thrombosed piles helps in recognizing the symptoms and seeking timely care. Whether you’re dealing with occasional discomfort or a more serious form of hemorrhoids, seeking professional medical advice can significantly improve your comfort and recovery.

Always give importance to your health and consult a specialist if you think you are suffering from piles. A proper diagnosis and treatment by skilled professionals at the top hospital in Noida can provide you with relief, confidence, and overall well-being.

FAQs on Piles

Q1. Will piles resolve on their own without treatment?

Ans: Mild piles can be benefited by some simple lifestyle modifications such as a high-fiber diet and liquids. But more serious piles are usually treated by medicine or surgery.

Q2. Is bleeding the sole sign of piles?

Ans: No. Bleeding is a frequent symptom, but piles may also produce itching, pain, discomfort, swelling, or a lump in and around the anus, depending upon the severity and type.

Q3. Can I treat piles at home without consulting a doctor?

Ans: These may be treated at home with over-the-counter creams, S itz baths, and dietary adjustments. However, in case of continuous, increasing, or heavy bleeding, medical treatment is required.

Q4. Are piles and anal fissures the same?

Ans: No. Piles are inflamed veins, whereas anal fissures are minute tears in the skin around the anus. Though they are caused by and treated differently, piles and anal fissures can have the same symptoms, like pain and bleeding.

Q5. What is the quickest method to alleviate pain from thrombosed piles?

Ans: Using cold compresses, anti-inflammatory creams, and pain relievers are some ways it can give short-term relief. In other instances, a little surgery might be needed to have the blood clot removed for instant relief.