Which Doctor to Consult for Piles?

The Greek term "hemorrhoids" refers to veins capable of leaking blood. Hemorrhoids commonly affect people between the ages of 45 and 65. They’re swollen veins inside your lower rectum or anal lining, also known as piles. In mild cases, hemorrhoids typically get better on their own after a few days. They can be prevented and treated in several ways.

The Prevalence of Hemorrhoids in Adults

There are few reliable statistics on the frequency of hemorrhoids. According to a study that examined the prevalence of hemorrhoids and related risk factors in a general adult population, 380 patients (38.93%) out of 976 participants had hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids were categorized as grade I in 277 patients (72.89%), grade II in 70 patients (18.42%), the third grade in 31 patients (8.16%), and grade IV in 2 patients (0.53%). A total of 170 patients (44.74%) reported having hemorrhoid-related symptoms, while 210 patients (55.26%) said they had none.

Body mass index (BMI) was significantly correlated with hemorrhoids in the univariate and multivariate analyses, with p values of 0.0391 and 0.0282, respectively. The risk of hemorrhoids increased by 3.5% with every unit's BMI rise, even after accounting for additional potential risk factors. In conclusion, hemorrhoids are a common problem among adults. It's noteworthy that many people with hemorrhoids don't report any symptoms.

What Kind of Doctor Should We See for Piles Treatment?

Many people are unsure which doctor to see if they are experiencing piles symptoms. Whether to visit a proctologist or gastroenterologist? You can visit either one because they can treat your hemorrhoids or piles.

Your hemorrhoids' type and severity may lead to a recommendation for a gastroenterologist or proctologist. There are two basic types of hemorrhoids:

• External hemorrhoids: These are found under the skin surrounding the anus.
• Internal hemorrhoids: These develop in the lining of the anus and lower rectum.

You must consult a piles doctor to determine the best hemorrhoid care.

But, let’s first understand who are gastroenterologists and proctologists.

Gastroenterologist

A physician with training in internal medicine that deals with problems with the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts is known as a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist can diagnose hemorrhoids, prescribe treatments and offer lifestyle suggestions.

Additionally, they can do some treatments like endoscopy and hemorrhoid banding. Endoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the digestive tract. Whereas hemorrhoid involves wrapping a unique rubber band around hemorrhoid’s base to cut off the blood supply.

Proctologist

A proctologist or colorectal surgeon is a doctor trained in proctology. The field of proctology deals with the anatomy and diseases of the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon. They can therefore identify and cure hemorrhoids.

In contrast to a gastroenterologist, a proctologist can also perform hemorrhoid surgery. A haemorrhoidectomy, a surgical operation to remove huge external hemorrhoids and prolapsing internal hemorrhoids (which bulge out of the anus), may be recommended by the proctologist if you have severe hemorrhoids.

How Can I Find the Best Piles Doctor Near Me for Piles?

Specialized proctologists typically treat anorectal problems like piles. But you can also go to a general surgeon for treatment if you can't find the best piles doctor.

You must conduct in-depth research on a piles expert's credentials and other requirements to choose the best piles doctor. When looking for piles treatment, you should take the following factors into account:

Medical Certification

An expert in performing procedures and treating conditions affecting the anus, colon, and rectum is known as a proctologist. A piles doctor with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college is allowed to practice proctology. A proctologist must complete eight years of school and training in total. Additionally, he/she must possess the necessary university certification.

The doctor must pass the Medical Licencing Examination and obtain a license to work as a proctologist. Therefore, confirm all the above details when you seek a "piles treatment doctor near me".

Knowledge & Experience

For piles, there are various therapy methods. Therefore, you should look for a knowledgeable doctor who knows all procedures, particularly advanced laser-assisted surgery. A doctor is regarded as a skilled surgeon if they have at least 8 years of experience.

Symptoms of Piles

A good diet of fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and a healthy weight are all lifestyle changes that can help treat hemorrhoids. This is particularly valid when it comes to mild cases of piles in healthy individuals. If you are coping with any of the following piles-related symptoms, schedule a visit with a doctor:

• If you see blood in stools
• If the discomfort in the anal area doesn’t go away
• If over-the-counter medications cannot relieve your symptoms
• If you feel queasy every time you have a bowel movement or your stool looks darkened.

You should speak with a piles doctor if you encounter any symptoms of piles.

Can Piles Be Treated Without Visiting a Doctor?

Although piles symptoms cannot be completely cured, they can be managed at home. Here are some things you can do if you choose to manage the condition at home rather than see a doctor:

• Sit in a bathtub with lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes daily.
• Be gentle when handling your anal region to keep it clean.
• Never clean your anal area with anything that contains chemicals.
• As needed, use stool softeners.
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle might also help relieve the soreness and its effects.
  

Conclusion

Consulting a doctor can help you control and manage piles symptoms while they are still in their early stages. Proctologists and general surgeons are trained practitioners for treating piles and several anorectal diseases. Therefore you should consult them if the conservative treatments for piles are ineffective. Your doctor will play a significant part in managing your condition. If you consume a diet high in fiber, see your doctor before starting any therapy, and adhere to their recommendations, you can get rid of your piles.