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What are Hemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids are swollen veins that can form inside or outside the rectum and anus. They can lead to rectal bleeding and can be pretty uncomfortable and painful. Another term for haemorrhoids is piles. While we all have haemorrhoids from birth, they usually don't cause any issues until they become enlarged and start to produce bothersome symptoms.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Hemorrhoids should be treated quickly to prevent symptoms from worsening, avoid infections or blood clots, and reduce the likelihood of surgery. Addressing the issue early enhances quality of life and helps prevent future flare-ups by alleviating discomfort, itching, and bleeding. Moreover, it allows for using less invasive treatments down the line.

What are the Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Typical haemorrhoid symptoms include:

  • When bowel movements are observed, rectal bleeding is observed.
  • Around the anus, there is itching or inflammation.
  • Pain or discomfort, particularly during bowel movements or while sitting
  • A bulge or swelling close to the anus
  • release of mucus from the anus
  • A sensation of incomplete bowel movement

Causes and Risk Factors of Hemorrhoids

Causes

Increased Pressure: Straining during bowel movements due to constipation or diarrhoea can lead to haemorrhoids. This is often exacerbated during pregnancy because of hormonal changes and the added pressure from the growing uterus.

Ageing: As we get older, the tissues that support the veins around the anus weaken, which increases the likelihood of developing haemorrhoids.

Obesity: Excess weight can strain the lower rectum, contributing to the problem.

Prolonged sneezing or coughing can also increase pressure on the anal veins, further raising the risk.

Risk Factors

  • Inactivity can lead to constipation and increased pressure on the rectum.
  • A low-fiber diet may cause constipation and straining during bowel movements.
  • Repeated heavy lifting can add extra strain to the rectal area.
  • If you have a family history of haemorrhoids, you might be at a higher risk.
  • Additionally, sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet, can increase the likelihood of developing haemorrhoids.

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Hemorrhoids Prevention Tips

Here are some practical tips to help prevent haemorrhoids:

  • Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to avoid constipation and reduce straining during bowel movements.
  • Drink plenty of water to promote regular bowel movements and soften your stool.
  • Regular exercise can improve digestion and decrease the risk of obesity and constipation, both of which can worsen haemorrhoids.
  • Avoid straining during bowel movements. If you're experiencing constipation, consider using fibre supplements or natural laxatives.
  • Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet, can put extra pressure on the rectal veins. Make sure to move around and take breaks.

Treatment options for Hemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids Surgery: When conservative measures are unsuccessful or haemorrhoids are severe, surgery is typically recommended.


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  • Physical Examination:
    • Visual inspection: A doctor may visually examine the anal area to identify external haemorrhoids or signs of internal haemorrhoids (such as prolapsed tissue).
    • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities such as lumps, swelling, or tenderness.
  • Imaging Tests:
    • Anoscopy: To check the inside anal canal and detect internal haemorrhoids, an anoscopy entails inserting a tiny tube with a light (anoscope) into the rectum.
    • Proctoscopy: Proctoscopy, a more thorough examination than an anoscopy, looks for haemorrhoids and other possible problems, including anal fissures or tumours, using a longer tube called a proctoscope.
    • Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy: The doctor may suggest a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy if symptoms are not directly linked to haemorrhoids or if they suspect other problems, such as colorectal cancer. During these procedures, the entire colon and rectum are examined using a flexible tube.
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  • Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.

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Hospitals for Hemorrhoids in India

Sharda Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Sharda Hospital

Noida, India

Sharda Hospital located in Greater Noida, India is accredited by ISO, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The hospital is equipped with the best of technologically advanced equipment.
  • Sharda Hospital, Delhi has a bed capacity of 900.
  • There are as many as 90 beds in the critical care section.
  • The critical care facilities are present for general medicine, Pulmonology, Surgery, Paediatrics, Neonatology, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic surgery and Neurosciences.
  • There are Centers of Excellence such as Institute of Child Care, Institute of Dental Sciences, Institute of Orthopedic & Spine,Institute of Neuro Sciences, Institute of Minimal Access Surgery etc.
  • Virtual consultations in the form of Telemedicine and Teleradiology are a reality at an advanced hospital such as Sharda Hospital.
  • There is also a Tele ICU facility that ensures that a virtual ICU is a functioning system. It is aided with audio visual communication systems, latest computers, a team which is networking and a physically present ICU team.
  • 24/7 Emergency care available aided with buses as well as ambulances.
  • Exceptional International patient care coordination is available throughout the system helping patients with transfer, travel, treatments.
Fortis Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Fortis Hospital

Mohali, India

Fortis Hospital, Mohali, is a leading 400+ bed tertiary care hospital across 8.22 acres, accredited by JCI, NABH, and NABL, offering 42 specialties. The hospital excels in Cardiac Sciences, Oncology, Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Robotic Surgery, and Transplants. Fortis Cancer Institute provides advanced cancer care with robotic surgery, LINAC, PET-CT, and a multidisciplinary Tumor Board. The Cardiac Centre features 3 high-end cath labs, heart transplants, and expert cardiologists. Neurosciences and Orthopaedics Centres offer advanced brain, spine, joint, and trauma care. Fortis Paalna ensures world-class maternity and neonatal services, including high-risk pregnancy management and stem cell collection, making it a top healthcare destination in North India.

Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital

Delhi, India

Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, established in 2006, is a leading multi-super specialty hospital with over 18 years of excellence. It has treated more than 2 million patients across 40 specialties and performed 8,500+ complex GI surgeries, 9,300+ joint replacements, 3,600+ neurosurgeries, 1,400+ kidney transplants, and 10,000+ high-risk deliveries. The hospital offers advanced robotic surgeries and specialized clinics, including Asthma & Allergy, Kidney Stone, Obesity, Sports Injury, and Sahajini (Menopause Clinic). Accredited by NABH and NABL, it has earned awards from AHPI, CII, and Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals” (2022–2025), reflecting excellence in technology, expertise, and compassionate patient care.

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Why Choose India for Hemorrhoids Treatment?

India is gaining popularity as a destination for haemorrhoid treatment due to several advantages:

Advanced Medical Facilities: The country boasts a state-of-the-art healthcare system that offers modern diagnostic and treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures.

SkilledMedicalProfessionals: India has highly trained proctology surgeons with significant experience, ensuring high treatment success rates.

Cost-Effective Care: Treatments in India are often much more affordable than in Western countries without compromising quality.

NumerousTreatmentOptions: India offers a wide range of haemorrhoid treatments, from traditional methods to the latest minimally invasive techniques, such as laser therapy, infrared coagulation, and rubber band ligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eat a high-fibre diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to avoid haemorrhoids. Drink water to prevent constipation. Exercise regularly, do not sit for long periods, and follow good bathroom habits, such as not straining or sitting too long on the toilet.

Weight control, using gentle toilet paper, and not lifting heavy objects can also help ease pressure on the rectal area. Also, addressing the need to urinate or have a bowel movement immediately helps avoid straining. These habits aid in digestive health and minimise the occurrence of haemorrhoids.

Second- and third-trimester pregnancy haemorrhoids are common. The reasons are constipation, increased blood supply, hormonal changes that relax blood vessels, and elevated pressure from the enlarged uterus. These causes can lead to the swelling of the rectal veins and haemorrhoids. Though they often improve after delivery, it is essential to treat them with a diet high in fibre, drink plenty of water, and not strain. For information about safe treatment options during pregnancy, always speak with your healthcare professional.

Yes, haemorrhoids can often be treated without surgery through dietary changes, such as consuming more fibre-rich foods and drinking plenty of water. Stool softeners, cold compresses, warm sitz baths, and topical drugs can all help with symptoms. Surgery is generally a last resort, though procedures such as rubber band ligation may be required in more serious cases.

While some pain after haemorrhoid surgery is possible, it is usually bearable using the proper care and medication. Patients can experience pain, swelling, and discomfort upon bowel movements for a few days to one week after the procedure. Prescribed pain medication, stool softeners, and warm sitz baths can all treat pain.

After the operation, most patients receive noticeable relief of symptoms, yet recovery is complete within a few weeks. Always follow your physician's post-operative guidelines to minimise discomfort and promote healing.

Yes, haemorrhoids can cause complications such as blood clots (thrombosis), chronic bleeding leading to anaemia, infection, or strangulation (where an internal haemorrhoid gets trapped and loses its blood supply). Early treatment can prevent these complications and enhance comfort.

The severity and duration of treatment may influence the time it takes for haemorrhoids to heal. Mild haemorrhoids treated at home with sitz baths, local medications, and a diet high in fibre resolve symptoms in a few days to a week. Healing may take two to four weeks for more serious cases, especially if surgery or other treatments are required. Frequent care and following your doctor's advice can enhance the recovery process.

The main difference between internal and external haemorrhoids is where they are located:

Internal haemorrhoids exist within the rectum and, unless they prolapse (bulge) outside the anus, are generally not painful or visible. Unless thrombosed or prolapsed, they often don't hurt, although they can cause rectal bleeding on defecation.

External Hemorrhoids: These are palpable and located under the skin around the anus. They can lead to swelling, itching, or bleeding and are uncomfortable, especially when thrombosed (with blood clots) or inflamed.

You can still work out if you have haemorrhoids, but it's important to select exercises that will not exacerbate the disease. Low-impact forms of exercise, such as yoga, swimming, and walking, are generally safe and can reduce pressure on the rectal area, promote circulation, and decrease constipation.

One standard non-surgical treatment for internal haemorrhoids is rubber band ligation. One or two tiny rubber bands are applied around the bottom to cut the blood supply to the haemorrhoid. The haemorrhoid then dries up and comes out in a few days to a week. The procedure is suitable for mild to severe haemorrhoids and is often carried out under local anaesthesia in a physician's clinic. It has a brief recovery time, is the least invasive, and has a low risk of complications.

If the cause, like habitual constipation, straining to have a bowel movement or diet, is not corrected, haemorrhoids can come back after treatment. Lifestyle habits and rectal vein pressure may lead to recurrence even after successful therapies such as surgery or rubber band ligation. Maintaining a high-fibre diet, having adequate fluid intake, avoiding straining, and exercising regularly enhance regular bowel movements to reduce the likelihood of haemorrhoids returning.

Author

Dr. Shagufta Parveen
Dr. Shagufta Parveen

Doctor of Pharmacy

3 Years of Experience

Dr. Shagufta Parveen is a Clinical researcher and medical writer with expertise in clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. She holds a B.Pharm and Doctor of Pharmacy (Post-Baccalaureate) degree from Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad.

During her clinical stint at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital and Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, she gained hands-on experience in the Clinical Pharmacology Department. Combining scientific knowledge with strong medical writing skills, Dr. Shagufta develops evidence-based healthcare content, treatment guides, and patient education resources.

Her work focuses on simplifying complex medical concepts while maintaining scientific accuracy, helping readers better understand healthcare advancements and treatment options.

In addition to her writing expertise, she is actively involved in scientific research and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications.

Her research work is accessible through the following links:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=lMVK1eIAAAAJ&hl=en

https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/870

https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/868

https://wjpsronline.com/abstract/0000000760

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Reviewer

Dr. Ashish George
Dr. Ashish George

Gastroenterologist

18 Years of Experience

Dr. Ashish George is one of the leading names in HPB surgery & liver transplantation and has about 18+ years of experience.He is a principal consultant & unit head of liver transplant at Fortis Shalimar Bagh. View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026