There are two types of piles/haemorrhoids:
Internal piles/haemorrhoids usually do not cause any pain unless they have prolapsed (slipped down from their original position). They can cause rectal bleeding which can be observed if you have bloody stools or the presence of blood in the toilet bowl or after wiping.
Symptoms of external piles/haemorrhoids include:
Are piles/haemorrhoids painful?
Most of the time, piles/haemorrhoids do not cause any pain. However, if an internal pile/haemorrhoid prolapses or an external pile/haemorrhoid forms a blood clot on the skin (also known as a thrombosed haemorrhoid), then it can cause a significant amount of pain.
Who is at risk of piles/haemorrhoids in Singapore?
There are various factors that increase your risk of getting piles/haemorrhoids, these are:
A visual examination will be sufficient for the diagnosis of piles/haemorrohoids, but your gastroenterologist may conduct the following tests for a more accurate diagnosis:
Piles/haemorrhoids may be treated at home by eating more fibre, taking pain relief medications, or soaking in a warm bath. However, these may be inadequate for some people, as such, there are some treatment options that can be performed by your gastroenterologist: