Is It Piles or Anal Fissures? Answers from the Best Piles Surgeon in Punjab

When it comes to discomfort in the anal region, patients often worry if it's a case of piles or anal fissures. Both conditions are common, yet they are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, leading to confusion and anxiety. This blog aims to demystify piles and anal fissures, offering insights from the best piles surgeon in Punjab.

Understanding the Basics: What Are Piles and Anal Fissures?

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus). According to global health statistics, about 4.4% of the population suffers from hemorrhoids, affecting millions worldwide. Common symptoms include bleeding during bowel movements, itching, and discomfort.

Anal fissures, on the other hand, are small tears in the lining of the anus. This condition is less common than hemorrhoids but can be incredibly painful, causing sharp pain during and after bowel movements. Anal fissures are often described as having a "knife-like" pain, which can lead to acute discomfort and stress.

Causes and Risk Factors

Both piles and anal fissures are often linked to lifestyle factors and underlying health conditions:

• Piles: Are commonly caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum due to straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, obesity, or pregnancy.
• Anal Fissures: Often result from passing large or hard stools, chronic diarrhea, or inflammatory bowel disease. Trauma or injury during childbirth can also lead to fissures.

Symptoms: What to Watch Out For

Differentiating between piles and anal fissures based on symptoms can be tricky:

• Piles Symptoms: Painless bleeding during bowel movements, swelling or a lump around the anus, itching or irritation in the anal region.
• Anal Fissures Symptoms: Severe pain during bowel movements, bright red blood on the toilet paper or stool, a visible crack in the skin around the anus.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

If you're in Punjab and experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking professional help is crucial. A thorough evaluation by a piles specialist in Punjab could help in proper diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis often involves a physical examination and might require a digital rectal exam or a proctoscopy for closer evaluation.

Treatment Options depend on the severity of the condition:

• For Piles: Lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter treatments, and minimally invasive procedures like banding. In severe cases, surgical interventions such as hemorrhoidectomy might be necessary.
• For Anal Fissures: Increase in dietary fiber, sitz baths, topical anesthetics, and in some cases, surgical intervention like lateral internal sphincterotomy may be recommended by an anal fissure doctor in Punjab.

Comparing Treatment Methods in Punjab

The Expertise of Livasa Hospitals

At Livasa Hospitals, particularly in centers like Livasa Nawanshar, Mohali, Khanna, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive care for piles and anal fissures. Our team of experienced proctologists ensures tailored treatment plans for each patient, considering their specific needs and health conditions.

When to Seek Help

It is crucial to seek medical attention when symptoms persist or worsen despite at-home care. Chronic pain, significant bleeding, or any new symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. At Livasa Hospitals, we emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in managing these conditions effectively.

Making an Appointment

If you're experiencing symptoms of piles or anal fissures and are looking for expert care, don't hesitate to reach out. Book an appointment with the best piles surgeon in Punjab at Livasa Hospitals by calling +91 80788 80788 or visiting our website at livasahospitals.com/appointment.