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Haemorrhoids/Piles

Lee Surgery and Endoscopy was founded by Dr. Lee Chin Li, with the mission to deliver accessible and quality healthcare to our patients. We are committed to ensuring your comfort from consultation to procedures.

What are haemorrhoids/piles?

Haemorrhoids (piles) are vascular structures that help regulate bowel movements and control stool passage. When these veins become swollen or inflamed, they can protrude into the anal canal or form lumps around the anus, resulting in haemorrhoids or piles. 

The type of haemorrhoids depends on the location of the swollen veins, such as:

  • Internal: internal haemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and typically do not cause pain as there are fewer pain-sensing nerves in the rectum.
  • External: external haemorrhoids occur when the swollen veins develop under the skin at the anus. They can be more painful than internal haemorrhoids, as there are more pain-sensing nerves in this area.
  • Prolapsed: prolapsed haemorrhoids occur when internal and external haemorrhoids grow beyond the anus, thus risking bleeding and causing pain.
piles singapore
Haemorrhoids are commonly caused by excessive straining and can occur inside or outside the rectum.

What causes haemorrhoids/piles?

Several factors can cause haemorrhoids, but they are typically caused by excessive straining during bowel movements. Excessive strain adds pressure to the veins in the rectal area, leading to swelling and inflammation.

In fact, straining of any sort that adds extra pressure to your lower extremities or your belly can lead to your veins becoming enlarged and inflamed. As such, the causes of haemorrhoids can include:

  • Chronic constipation: constipation can lead to excessive straining during bowel movements, causing the rectal veins to become inflamed, resulting in haemorrhoids or piles.
  • Heavy lifting: heavy lifting can lead to straining, which adds pressure to the veins in the rectal area, resulting in haemorrhoids.
  • Obesity: excess weight can increase pressure on the veins in the rectal area, leading to haemorrhoids.
  • Pregnancy: pregnancy leads to increased pressure on the pelvic area, which can strain the rectal veins and lead to haemorrhoids. Additionally, pregnancy has also been linked to constipation, a common cause of haemorrhoids or piles.

What are the symptoms of haemorrhoids/piles?

The symptoms of haemorrhoids vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Internal haemorrhoids usually do not cause any symptoms unless they prolapse. In fact, most patients with internal haemorrhoids might not even be aware that they have haemorrhoids. But if they do show symptoms, it is usually rectal bleeding.

On the other hand, external haemorrhoids may show the following symptoms:

  • Extreme itching or irritation around the anus
  • Lumps near the anus
  • Swelling around the anus
  • Pain or discomfort around the anus, particularly when sitting

Meanwhile, the symptoms of prolapsed haemorrhoids include:

  • A lump near the anus that is hard and discoloured
  • Inflammation
  • Severe pain and discomfort
  • Swelling

If you are experiencing haemorrhoid symptoms, make an appointment with Lee Surgery & Endoscopy for an evaluation today.

Who is at risk of haemorrhoids/piles in Singapore?

Haemorrhoids are a common issue, so much so that they affect people of all ages in Singapore. However, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing them. Risk factors of haemorrhoids/piles include:

  • Age: haemorrhoids become more common as people age, with the highest prevalence observed in individuals over 45 years old.
  • Pregnancy: women who are pregnant or have recently given birth are at increased risk of developing haemorrhoids due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the pelvic veins.
  • Chronic constipation: individuals who frequently strain during bowel movements due to chronic constipation are at higher risk of developing haemorrhoids.
  • Obesity: being overweight or obese can increase the risk of haemorrhoids due to excess pressure on the pelvic and rectal veins.
  • Poor hydration: Hydration is important to prevent constipation. 
  • Family history: having a family history of haemorrhoids may increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
  • Low-fibre diet: individuals who consume a low-fibre diet are more likely to suffer from constipation, increasing their risk of developing haemorrhoids or piles.
bad diet singapore
Low-fibre diets are linked to an increased risk of haemorrhoids or piles.

How are haemorrhoids/piles diagnosed in Singapore?

Generally, haemorrhoids are diagnosed in Singapore based on a combination of the following diagnostic procedures after assessing the medical history and conducting a physical examination:

  • Anoscopy, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy: an anoscopy, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy may be conducted to evaluate the extent of the haemorrhoids or rule out other conditions.
  • Digital rectal examination: a digital rectal exam involves your doctor inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to check for unusual growth.

What are the treatment options for haemorrhoids/piles in Singapore?

The treatment options for haemorrhoids in Singapore can be categorised into several categories. Some of the common treatments for haemorrhoids or piles include:

  • Dietary modifications: increasing fibre intake and staying hydrated can help soften stools and reduce straining during bowel movements.
  • Good Bowel habit: Avoid straining and prolonged sitting on the toilet to reduce risks of haemorrhoids.
  • Oral Medications: Laxatives can be taken to reduce need to strain when moving bowel. Daflon may be prescribed to ‘shrink’ haemorrhoids in cases with swelling or bleeding.  
  • Topical treatments: over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories may provide relief from itching, pain, or inflammation associated with haemorrhoids.
  • Sitz baths: soaking the affected area in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day can help relieve discomfort and promote healing.

For more severe cases of haemorrhoids or piles, the following medical procedures can be conducted:

  • Rubber band litigation: rubber band ligation is recommended if prior treatments show no improvements. It is a bedside procedure in which a rubber band is placed around the haemorrhoids to cut off blood circulation to them. Suitable for small haemorrhoids. 
  • Haemorrhoidectomy: a haemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the haemorrhoidal tissue.
  • Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is a treatment option where a chemical solution is injected into the haemorrhoids to shrink them.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to heal a haemorrhoid?

For mild haemorrhoids, oral medication and topical creams such as a haemorrhoid cream or a suppository that contains hydrocortisone are effective in treating them. However, the healing time for haemorrhoids varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors.

What complications can arise from haemorrhoids/piles?

Some complications of haemorrhoids or piles include bleeding, blood clots, inflammation (with pain), skin tags, and thrombosis of blood vessels in piles.

Can haemorrhoids/piles be prevented?

Yes, they can. Some preventive steps you can take include refraining from sitting too long on the toilet seat, drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, eating more high-fibre foods, leading an active lifestyle, and taking laxatives to soften the stool.

Any other questions?

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