What to Do If You Have Piles: A Comprehensive Guide

The following problems may occur in piles -

• Bleeding from the anus while defecating. 
• Redness in the area around the anus.
• Itching around the anus.
• Pain while defecating.
• A lump coming out of the anus, which has to be put inside the anus after defecating. 
• Pain or discomfort in the anus.
• Painful swelling around the anus.
• Sticky discharge from the anus.
• Sticky discharge after defecating.
• Lump formation near the anus. 

(Read more - Home remedies for piles)

You need to visit a doctor when the symptoms of piles increase, but for mild symptoms you can do the following first aid -

• First of all, make sure that you do not scratch the anal area, doing so can worsen the symptoms.
• Sitting or bathing in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day can relieve the swelling of piles.
• Gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet to make bowel movements easier and reduce the hardness of stool. 
• As soon as you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, do not try to stop it. Doing this requires more force to pass stool later. 
• Consuming more fluids reduces the pressure on the anus while defecating, so consume as much fluids as possible. 
• Try sitting on a pillow, doing this will give you comfort and also reduce swelling. 
• Intake of fiber and fluids makes the stool more and easier to pass, so that you will not have to strain while defecating and the symptoms of piles will not increase. 
• Do not sit in one place for too long. Get up every hour and walk around for a few minutes.
• Use wet and perfume-free or alcohol-free toilet paper to clean the anal area after defecation. 
• If possible, wear loose cotton underwear, so that you do not feel discomfort in the anal area.
• You can also use piles cream or pads available in medical stores. However, consult your doctor before using them. 
• Do not stay in the toilet for too long to defecate and if stool is not coming, do not force it. 
• If you are in a lot of pain, you can use Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or Aspirin medicines available at medical stores for some timely pain relief.
• It is important to keep the anus clean in piles, so take a bath daily and clean your anal area thoroughly. 
• Doing some exercise daily makes bowel movement easier and also improves health.
• Drying the anal area is also important, so dry the anal area properly after bathing. Keep in mind not to use dry and scented toilet paper to dry this area.
• You can also apply cold compress to the anal area to reduce swelling. 

(Read more - Neem Benefits For Piles)

Many symptoms of piles are normal, for which you do not need to go to the doctor. However, do visit your doctor in the following situations -

• Anal bleeding is never normal and you must go to the doctor for this because there can be many more serious reasons for bleeding from the anus. So if you are having a problem with bleeding from the anus, go to your doctor immediately.
• If you take blood thinning medicines, consult your doctor about it.
• If you are having pain or any other discomfort due to piles, talk to your doctor. 
• If you feel dizziness or weakness with piles, then you may be anemic. In such a situation, go to your doctor immediately. 
• If the symptoms of piles are not reducing even after trying home remedies and other measures, then immediately go to your doctor.
• Piles do not cause abdominal pain, but if you are experiencing these symptoms, then definitely go to your doctor. 
• If you are unable to push the lump coming out of the anus in piles, then immediately go to your doctor.

(Read more - Hot Water benefits for Piles)

A person should take certain precautions and treatments when hemorrhoids occur. First of all, increase the intake of fiber-rich diets such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which can prevent constipation and make bowel movement easier. Drink more water and include physical activity in your daily routine. Avoid sitting for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces. If there is pain or swelling, a sitz bath in warm water can provide relief. Use the cream or ointment suggested by the doctor. In severe cases, consider proper medical treatment by consulting a doctor.