What is Piles?

What is Piles?

Piles also called Hemorrhoids refer to swollen veins around or within the anus that are common in both young and old people.

How to lower your risk?

Avoid

• Straining while passing stool
• Processed meat
• Lifting heavy weights often

Add

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Grains, Legumes and beans
• 6-8 Glasses of water/day

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid symptoms vary based on the type of hemorrhoid:

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum. Typically, you can't see or feel them, and they rarely cause discomfort. However, straining or irritation during bowel movements can lead to:

• Painless bleeding during bowel movements. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet.
• Prolapsed hemorrhoid, where the hemorrhoid pushes through the anal opening. This can cause pain and irritation.

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus. Symptoms may include:

• Itching or irritation in the anal area.
• Pain or discomfort.
• Swelling around the anus.
• Bleeding.

Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when blood pools in an external hemorrhoid, forming a clot (thrombus). This can result in:

• Severe pain.
• Swelling.
• Inflammation.
• A hard, discolored lump near the anus.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids develop when the veins around the anus stretch under pressure and may swell or bulge. Factors that can increase pressure in the lower rectum include:

• Straining during bowel movements.
• Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet.
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Anal intercourse.
• A low-fiber diet.
• Frequent heavy lifting.

Risk Factors

As people age, the risk of developing hemorrhoids increases because the tissues that support rectal and anal veins weaken and stretch. Pregnancy can also increase the risk due to the pressure exerted by the baby.

Complications

Although complications from hemorrhoids are uncommon, they can include:

• Anemia: Rarely, chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids can lead to anemia, a condition where the body lacks sufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen.
• Strangulated hemorrhoid: This occurs when an internal hemorrhoid loses its blood supply, leading to extreme pain.
• Blood clot: A thrombosed hemorrhoid, while not dangerous, can be very painful and may require drainage.

Prevention

Preventing hemorrhoids involves maintaining soft stools to avoid straining. Consider the following tips:

• Eat high-fiber foods: Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This will soften stools and reduce the need for straining. Gradually add fiber to avoid gas problems.
• Stay hydrated: Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily to help keep stools soft. Limiting alcohol can also be beneficial.
• Consider fiber supplements: If your diet lacks sufficient fiber, nonprescription fiber supplements like psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) can help alleviate symptoms. Remember to drink plenty of water with fiber supplements to avoid constipation.
• Avoid straining: Straining during bowel movements increases pressure on the rectal veins.
• Exercise: Regular activity can help prevent constipation, relieve pressure on veins, and aid in weight loss.
• Limit sitting time: Prolonged sitting, particularly on the toilet, can add pressure to the anal veins.

How to check for Piles?

Consult your doctor if you experience any of these sings.

• Bleeding from the anus with/without pain
• Stools are tarry and maroon in color
• Irritation and the need to strain while passing stool
• Swollen hemorrhoids pushing through the anal opening accompanied with pain
• Itching, pain or discomfort around and within the anus
• Slimy discharge (mucus) from the anus