Piles: Causes, Types, Symptoms and Treatment

 

Introduction

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are painful and swollen veins in the anus. Piles can be internal or external, but both types cause similar symptoms. The symptoms of piles include rectal pain and bleeding during bowel movements. If you experience these symptoms, visit your doctor to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms such as anal fissures (small tears in the skin around the opening of your anus).

What are piles?

Piles are swollen veins in the anal canal. They commonly occur when there is a build-up of pressure in the veins, usually due to straining when you pass stools or constipation. Piles can be either internal (inside) or external (outside).

Internal piles are found inside your anus and can cause pain and bleeding from time to time. External piles sit just under your skin around your anus and can be painful but they don’t normally bleed unless they become very large.

What causes piles?

Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are caused by pressure on the veins in the anus. This can occur due to straining during bowel movements or constipation, a diet high in refined carbohydrates and low fiber content (which can lead to constipation), or pregnancy.

Piles often start off as small swellings around your rectum (back passage). But they can grow larger and become painful over time.

Symptoms of piles

The most common symptom of piles is pain in the anal area. The pain can be unbearable and may get worse when you sit, walk or cough. Other symptoms include:

·         bleeding from your anus

·         discharge from your anus that looks like blood or has a foul smell

·         itching around your anus, which is sometimes severe enough to cause you to scratch it raw

·         swelling around the anal canal that causes discomfort while sitting down (this is less common)

·         a lump in the shape of an inverted cone on either side of your anus (this is very rare)

Some people also experience a feeling of fullness in their rectum before they need to go to the toilet and passing stools that are hard and lumpy rather than soft and easy to pass out of the anus

Types of piles

Piles are classified into two types: internal and external. Internal piles, which are also known as hemorrhoids, occur inside the rectum. External piles occur outside the rectum, around its opening. Thrombosed hemorrhoids and hematomas are types of external piles that have been damaged by trauma or surgery.

Diagnosing Piles

Your doctor can diagnose piles by examining your anus and rectum.

Piles can also be diagnosed by a simple, painless rectal exam. Your doctor will be able to tell if you have piles by looking at the skin around your anus. You may feel some discomfort during the examination, but it shouldn’t hurt too much.

Treating Piles

There are a number of ways to treat piles. The first and most important thing you can do is to avoid straining during bowel movements, as this will only make your piles worse. If you suffer from constipation and have difficulty passing stool, try drinking more water or eating more fiber in your diet. You should also avoid sitting for long periods of time because it puts pressure on the rectum and causes blood vessels to swell up due to being constantly compressed.

It may be helpful if you take warm baths two times per day, especially after a bowel movement. This helps reduce inflammation and swelling as well as relieve pain caused by piles by relaxing muscular tension in the anal canal area.

You can also apply ointments directly onto the affected region (easing discomfort) such as zinc oxide paste or hydrocortisone cream once daily until symptoms subside completely - however these treatments should not be used for more than two weeks without seeing your doctor first!

If these remedies aren’t working well enough then other options include medication like mesalamine which suppresses inflammation; amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil); sulfasalazine which decreases bleeding; thiazide diuretics like chlorthiazide sodium 20 mg daily which reduces swelling; butyrate enemas at bedtime given every three days; senna tablets taken one hour before meals three times per day for 2 weeks followed by 1 week off them (if needed). You could also try surgery but this procedure should only be used when all other treatments have failed because it involves removing part or all of an abscessed pile(s).

To avoid the frustrating effects of piles, make sure you exercise regularly and eat high-fibre foods.

To avoid the frustrating effects of piles, make sure you exercise regularly and eat high-fibre foods. A diet rich in fibre will keep your bowels regular and healthy.

·         Avoid constipation by drinking plenty of water and eating high-fibre foods such as wholemeal bread, beans, fruit and vegetables.

·         Exercise regularly: it helps to strengthen muscles that support the digestive system, which can help prevent piles from developing in the first place as well as relieve symptoms if they do develop.

·         Avoid straining when going to the toilet: try not to push too hard or hold your breath while defecating; instead take deep breaths while letting your muscles relax naturally until you feel comfortable enough to go again.

·         Avoid sitting for long periods of time: get up at least once every hour or so if possible - walk around a little bit each time before sitting back down again - this helps blood circulation throughout your body including through those sensitive areas which may otherwise cause discomfort if left alone too long! If possible try not sitting on hard surfaces such as concrete floors either; instead use softer chairs with good lumbar support (these are usually built in behind/under cushions).

Conclusion

Piles are a painful and embarrassing condition that can be reduced by following the right lifestyle habits. Making sure you get enough fibre in your diet, keeping active and exercising regularly will help to keep your bowels healthy and avoid future problems with piles. If symptoms do develop, it’s important to see a GP as soon as possible so they can diagnose and treat them properly.