Treatment for piles or hemorrhoids -- what you should expect during the process

Suffering or been diagnosed with piles? Here is aguide to what you might be prescribed and your probable path of treatment.

Piles is a very painful condition where the inner lining of the anus and rectum sloughs off and bleeds when a person is passing stools. People who suffer from this often suffer from the very uphill task of passing stools, which is extremely painful both during the act and after as well. The inability to sit comfortably along with the constant fear that they may have to use the loo is something most patients have to face. But not all blood in stools is piles. The condition requires detailed investigation and immediate treatment. So to help you understand what you would be prescribed in the case of piles, here are all the medication you might have to take.

When do you need treatment for piles?

According to DrVijaykumar Malladi, renowned laparoscopic and general surgeon, 'I have a number of patients who come to me with this symptom and say that they have piles. I have to explain to them that it is me who has to diagnose the problem and not them. In a large number of cases these people are diagnosed with fissures rather than piles.' In the same vein, Dr Manoj Jain, Gastroenterologist and Laparoscopy consultant, Sunrise Hospital, Mumbai says, 'When a person with the symptoms of piles comes to me, I tell them that a thorough clinical examination is very important. We have to first check if the person actually has piles, then grade the haemorrhoids and check if it is associated with any complication. In the case of grade 1 and grade 2 piles, without complications the conditions can be managed with medications. But in the case of grade 3 and complicated piles the patient may need surgery.'

What drugs will be prescribed?

Dr Manoj says, 'The common medications used are sitcom tablets, hot seitz bath with KMNO4 (potassium permanganate) powder. And in case the patient has infected piles a round of antibiotics is prescribed. Apart from that the patient will be required to have Duphalac syrup and a stool softener. In the case of grade 3 piles a patient may have to undergo surgery. Some of the common ones used are open and stapler hemorrhoidectomy.'

Sounds too confusing? Let us simplify it for you:

Sitcom tablets: Youwill have to have this tablet for 14 days during your treatment. Itcontains tannins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. All these compounds put together stop bleeding, control inflammation reduce pain, discharge and itching. They also strengthen anal mucosa and tone up loosened anal muscles.

Hot Seitz bath with KMNO4 (potassium permanganate) powder: This is a process that you will have to follow for 14 days, four times a day. A Sietz bath is basically a tub of warm water used to give warm fomentation to the affected area. This process soothes the pain and irritation in the anus allowing you to feel a little better. The action of potassium permanganate in this is basically to help reduce inflammation and kill off any infections. It is also very useful to treat infections and help them heal faster.

Duphalac syrup: This is usually prescribed to be taken once or twice a day and is a kind of lactulose based laxative. It helps in the easy passage of motion and is often used to treat constipation.

Stool softener: A stool softener is another medication prescribed for people with constipation, and its main action is to help in the easy passage of stools. This drug is to be taken just before bed time with an exact measure of water (please follow your doctor's advice while adding water or else the drug will not work).

Open and stapler haemorrhoidectomy: These are surgeries where a surgeon will drain and remove your haemorrhoids. This can be done using an open surgery where an external incision is made or by using a minimally invasive technique where staples are used to close the haemorrhoids, helping them heal faster.

Are there any diet restrictions?

Dr Manoj says, 'A patient with piles should avoid eating meat (non vegetarian food) and quit smoking. These are two factors that only make the condition worse.'

What should people know about the drugs and their interactions?

Stool softener: This drug should not be taken with vitamins and mineral oils. If you are on any OTC (over the counter) drugs, please tell your doctor about them, as stool softeners may react with some of them. Also if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant please inform your doctor about the pregnancy, taking stool softeners while you are pregnant may be contraindicated in some cases.

Duphalac syrup: Made up of lactulose, this drug should not be taken if you are currently prescribed antacids containing aluminum and/or magnesium and other laxatives. Make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are already taking. Most importantly this medication is not to be prescribed to patients with certain gastrointestinal conditions like bowel obstructions. You should also not have this syrup if you are allergic to lactulose, galactose, lactose or any other sugar, have galactosaemia, a disaccharidase deficiency, are on a low-galactose or on a galactose-free diet.

Sitcom tablets: This drug is not to be prescribed to or taken by pregnant women. If you are pregnant or planning one, talk to your doctor. Sitcom tablets can also not be prescribed to young children.

Do these drugs have any side effects?

The most common side effects of these drugs are stomach cramps, headaches, itchy skin, diarrhoea, vomiting, irregular heart beats and abdominal pain. Although these side effects are very rare, there are chances you might suffer from them. If you do, visit your physician immediately so he/she can alter your medication and dosage accordingly.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of piles.

You may also like to read:

• 10 helpful tips to treat piles
• Piles causes, symptoms, complications and treatment
• 'Not all blood in stools is piles'
• Home remedy for piles

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