Confirming piles (also known as hemorrhoids) typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional and, in some cases, further diagnostic tests.
Steps to Confirming Piles:
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Recognize the Symptoms: Piles often manifest with the following symptoms:
- Bright red blood after bowel movements.
- An itchy anus.
- A feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation (tenesmus).
- Mucus discharge from the anus or on toilet paper.
- Lumps around the anus.
- Pain or discomfort around the anus.
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Consult a Healthcare Professional: A doctor (typically a general practitioner or a gastroenterologist) can accurately diagnose piles. Self-diagnosis is not recommended.
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Physical Examination: The doctor will conduct a physical examination, which usually involves:
- Visual inspection: Examining the anus for external hemorrhoids, skin tags, or other abnormalities.
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): Inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for internal hemorrhoids or other issues. This helps assess the presence, size, and location of any internal hemorrhoids.
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Anoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy (If Necessary): In some cases, further investigation may be needed to rule out other conditions or to better visualize the hemorrhoids. This might involve:
- Anoscopy: Using an anoscope (a short, rigid tube with a light) to view the anal canal.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Using a sigmoidoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) to view the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon). This is usually only performed if other symptoms suggest a more serious condition, like inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.
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Rule Out Other Conditions: It's crucial to rule out other conditions that can mimic hemorrhoid symptoms, such as:
- Anal fissures (small tears in the lining of the anus).
- Anal abscesses or fistulas (infections near the anus).
- Colorectal cancer (rare, but important to exclude).
Summary
Confirming piles requires a proper medical evaluation, which includes a physical examination and potentially an anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. It is best to seek a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
