Relief feels amazing… until you get to panic again. It’s a feeling all too familiar to those who have had piles. You get treatment, you follow the rules closely, and for a while, life looks normal. Then, out of nowhere, more pain, itchiness, or bleeding. It leaves you exasperated and often bemused: why do piles come back even after treatment? To understand this, one needs to go not just beyond the procedure, but into lifestyle, habits, and conditions.
Piles: More Than Just a Medical Issue
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are large and swollen veins that develop in the rectum and anus. They may be internal or external, and each has its own set of symptoms:
- Internal piles can also cause bleeding during a bowel movement.
- External piles are often painful and itchy, making sitting uncomfortable
Although the treatments — including everything from medications to laser procedures — can get rid of piles, this doesn’t mean that piles are always a one-off problem. As Dr Madhav Mayank Sharma says a lot “Treating piles is like dousing fire in the forest, and if you do not remove the fuel, it will flare again”.
Common Reasons for Recurrence
Here’s why piles can return after being treated:
Lifestyle: Extended hours of sitting or a lack of exercise can be a strain on the rectal veins.
Dietary Routine: A Diet that is low in fibre and water can lead to constipation, putting stress on the veins.
Chronic Bowel Issues: Chronic constipation or chronic diarrhoea leads to weakened anal tissue.
Obesity: Large amounts of abdominal fat push on the veins, increasing pressure and the likelihood of a return.
Pregnancy or Hormonal Changes: Women can still develop piles after being treated as a result of hormonal changes.
Overlooking Aftercare: If you don’t adhere to nutrition and lifestyle change advice, your chances of a recurrence may rise.
“Treatment itself doesn’t cure the problem,” Dr. Sharma says. “It’s all about your day-to-day habits if the issue will rear its head again.”
Understanding Recurring Piles After Treatment
Recurrent piles after treatment can be demoralising, but it doesn’t mean failure of the treatment. Hemorrhoids are often a chronic condition, and recurrence after treatment is not uncommon, but it rarely denotes a need for surgery unless continued irritants can be addressed. Recognizing early signs is crucial:
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- Itching or discomfort while sitting
- A sensation of fullness or swelling around the anus
Early detection allows control of symptoms as well as the prevention of further aggravation, while reducing inconvenience and avoiding complications.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Recurrence
Small changes in your routine behaviors can defend you from the recurrence of piles. Consider the following:
- Consume more fiber: Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and oats can help stools remain soft.
- Keep hydrated: By drinking water (2-3 litres per day), constipation can be avoided.
- Exercise gently: Walking, yoga, or light exercise can help circulation and lower vein pressure.
- Don’t sit for hours on end: If you are working sitting down, make a point to get up once every hour.
- Healthy toilet habits: Do not delay using the toilet, and do not push or sit on the toilet for long periods.
- Listen to aftercare instructions: You will be given medication, dietary, and activity orders that you must follow in the aftermath.
Medical Management
While lifestyle changes are important, professional attention is also important.
- Diagnose Correctly the Kind and Intensity of Piles
- Recommend non-invasive procedures for quick recovery
- Offering advice on lifestyle and dietary modifications to avoid recurrence
- Advanced treatments such as laser treatment are also highly successful when used in conjunction with preventive and follow-up care.
Tips for Long-Term Care
- The patient should refrain from heavy lifting or pushing themselves as these will place stress on the rectal area.
- Keep your weight healthy to minimize abdominal pressure.
- Regularly monitoring the bowel movement will also help in avoiding constipation.
- Arrange for follow-up appointments to keep an eye on healing and discourage recurrence.
Dr. Madhav Mayank Sharma
Dr. Madhav Mayank Sharma (M.B.B.S., D.N.B. Surgery, Fellow of Endourology) is one of the best Piles Specialists in Bharatpur, providing the most appropriate and advanced hemorrhoids proctology treatment with laser & minimally invasive surgery options. He educates patients about anal disorders and offers treatment options for them to treat piles recurrence in the form of a long-term cure with the least suffering.
Conclusion
Piles can recur, but knowing the factors and following preventive measures. It is manageable with healthy habits, a diet plan, and a doctor’s advice. With control, it can be done so that recurrence chances will be less.
