There are a number of conditions that may have similar effects as piles, or may contribute to a diagnosis of piles. If you think you may have symptoms of piles or one of the conditions below, it’s important to visit a GP to get an expert opinion. Only a GP can diagnose haemorrhoids and prescribe treatment.
Constipation and Diarrhoea
Constipation is often caused by a poor diet that is lacking in dietary fibre and water. Stools become hard and difficult to pass, leading to straining of the bowels. With diarrhoea, stools are too frequent and watery, which may also put extra pressure on the blood vessels in the back passage. Diarrhoea can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
Crohn’s Disease, Coeliac Disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
These three disorders can lead to constipation, diarrhoea, and other digestive problems.
Skin Tags and Warts
Skin tags are benign, fleshy growths that can appear in many areas of the body. As long as these growths do not cause pain or discomfort, they usually do not require treatment. Anal warts are caused by a sexually transmitted virus. They can be treated with in-home remedies or by a specialist.
Anal Fissure or Fistulae
Fissures are small cracks or tears in the lining of the back passage. A fistula is an anal fissure that has broken the skin around the anus, forming a path back to the bowel. These conditions may cause pain, irritation, diarrhoea, and can be caused by digestive disorders such as IBS and Crohn’s.
Colorectal or Anal Cancer
The symptoms of these cancers may be itching, pain, bleeding, or lumps located near the anus. (If these symptoms do not become better after standard treatments, they may be signs of cancer.) A specialist may perform a biopsy to make a diagnosis, which may lead to surgery to treat the condition.
To find out what grade of piles you may have, take a quick Piles Quiz
