Q: I am suffering from piles since 2 years though it has not troubled me. Last week I had pain and saw blood coming out. I consulted a doctor who gave me tablet Pilex and an ointment procto-glyvenol for 2 weeks but there was no difference. I have constipation too. My food chart is like this – morning 1/2 glass low fat milk & cornflakes, a fruit before (apple, banana or mango) and for lunch and dinner I take 2 chappatis with vegetables, curd & cucumber. I also take black tea without sugar and take about 1 to 1.5 litres of water daily.

A:You need to do the following things: 1. Get checked up by a surgeon to confirm that you really have piles and no other associated disease. Lots of people feel that they have piles but on examination it may not be confirmed. The doctor will also be able to tell you the degree of piles (how advanced it is). 2. Depending on the degree there are many choices for treatment. Surgery is only the last resort: a) If they are early they can be simple injected as an outpatient procedure or banded with rubber bands. These two procedures will give you relief. b) These can be treated by stapling or surgery if larger in size. 3. In the long term you must adjust your diet to avoid constipation.