Piles: Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors
Piles, also known as Haemorrhoids are swollen veins located around the lower rectum or the anus. According to a survey by healthline, around 50% of the adults have the issue of piles by the age of 50.
Piles is usually classified into external and internal. External piles are more painful and troublesome. While an internal pile is developed in rectum or anus, an external pile is developed outside the rectum or anus. An external pile can cause severe itching and difficulty in sitting. Fortunately, both are treatable.
Symptoms of Piles:
Extreme itching around the anus region
Fecal leakage
Irritation and pain around the anus
Painful lump or itching around the anus region
Painful bowel movements
Blood from the anus after bowel movement
Although piles are painful and extremely uncomfortable, they are not life threatening. They are often treated on their own. But in severe cases, an intervention of the Doctor is needed. If you have black bowel movement or spot blood at the anus region then we suggest the best is to consult the Doctor. Bleeding can be caused by something other than piles and must need the right evaluation.
Causes of Piles
Piles are caused when there is too much pressure on the veins around your anus area. Many among the possible reasons of piles are:
Chronic constipation and its complications
Straining during a bowel movement
Sitting for a longer period of time
A family history of piles
Associated Risk Factors
Piles is chronic and can be genetically passed from the parent to child. So if your parents or grandparents have a history of it, you are most likely to get it. The most triggering factors to piles are – obesity, heavy lifting and other constant strain on the anus area.
If you strain while having bowel movement or having anal intercourse, it possibly can two fold your chances of having piles. You also develop it while you are pregnant and the uterus enlarges. Thus pressing on the veins of the colon, causing it to bulge.
How is Piles diagnosed?
A visual examination does give a clear visibility on whether the piles exist or not. To confirm the diagnosis the doctor may ask you to undergo a digital rectal exam. Under this test, the Doctor inserts a lubricated finger in your rectum. Depending on the additional risk factors, the Doctor may ask for tests like – sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or anoscopy. A small camera is used in these processes to identify any damage or abnormality in rectum, colon or the anus. An anoscopy is the examination of the side of the anus and a colonoscopy tracks the entire colon.
How to prevent Piles
To prevent piles from happening/worsening avoid straining during a bowel movement. Also increase your water intake. This will help your stool remain loose.
Rush to the washroom as soon as you feel a bowel movement. Holding it for too long can lead to strain on the colon veins. Exercise regularly to avoid being constipated. Do not sit for longer time periods, especially on hard surfaces like concrete floor or tiles. Consume food that is high in dietary fibre so as to minimize your risk of developing piles in the near future.
Few of the sources of good dietary fibre is:
Chia Seeds/Flax Seeds
Whole Wheat
Ragi
Carrot
Bran
Oatmeal
Pears
Brown Rice
Buckwheat
Dietary fibre is responsible to create bulk in the intestine, thus softening the stool, making it easier to pass.
Besides the above, practice good hygiene and keep your anus area clean. Don’t use soap but wash the area with warm water daily.
Complication/Side Effects of Piles:
Blood Clot
Bleeding
Anemia or Iron deficiency
Why Redheal
While a proper home treatment can lead to improvement over a period of time, our best advice is to visit/consult a doctor as soon you develop a symptom. Following your Doctor’s advice and maintaining a regimen that includes exercise and food rich in dietary fibre could lead to a total avoid of piles. You would also want to consider avoiding sitting for longer periods. For any more concerns and assistance around treatment, feel free to reach us at Redheal. We have the best in-class Doctors on our platform that are ready to consult you 24×7. To ease you with any trouble, our team is available to assist you throughout the process.