PILE/HEMORRHOIDS

INTRODUCTION

Pile, also medically known as hemorrhoids, are swellings, which are often painful, that develop in the anal canal- rectum and anus. The swellings involve the blood vessels of the anal canal. The veins can become swollen when they get abnormally engorged and filled with blood.

Interestingly, even though pile is very common, the awareness level on it is quite low giving the the fact that sufferers of it often feel embarrassed and ashamed to talk about it or seek medical help. So they often stay with it until it gets worse.

TYPES OF PILE/HEMORRHOIDS
They include:

• Internal /Pile/Hemorrhoids: These are hemorrhoids that develop internally. They are not see out the anus. However, they bleed often. And the bleeding can be so torrential at times that it becomes life-threatening. They are usually painless,That's one way you also tell the difference between it and external pile.

• External Pile/Hemorrhoids: External Hemorrhoids occur on the outside edge of the anus and they are often very painful. They are less common than internal hemorrhoids and can be are very itchy as well.

Image source

CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
The following have been known to cause or contribute to the development of pile:

1. Sitting posture: Sitting for long hours can predispose one to having pile.

2. Lifting heavy weights regularly

3. Chronic constipation or diarrhea: Straining by constipation and over purgation can cause hemorrhoid.

4. Pregnancy: Hemorrhoids are common among pregnant women. The pressure of the fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes causes the vessels to enlarge.

5. Obesity: this too. Obese people

6. Improper diet: Eating junk food and a diet lacking in fiber contribute towards Hemorrhoids.

7. Age: Generally seen in the age group from 30 to 50 years.

8. Persistent cough and sneeze

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

1. Bleeding from the anus: it is more common with internal than external hemorrhoids. It can occur before, during, or after defecation.

2. Anus appears red and swollen. This is what is seen in external hemorrhoids.

3. Itching, burning, swelling or pain is present near the anus. Itching may be present due to swelling and irritation produced by the hemorrhoids.

4. Mucus discharge may appear during bowel movement.

5. Protrusion of the hemorrhoids from the anus occurs frequently. This usually occurs after defecation, prolonged standing, or unusual physical exertion.

6. Sense of fullness in the anus and straining while passing stools may be present.

7. Anemia - If bleeding is profuse or long term, the patient may have anemia.

COMPLICATIONS OF HEMORRHOIDS

• Anemia
• Infections
• Pain
• Death

Image source

TREATMENT/MANAGEMENT

The treatment of pile is dependent on the severity of the pile. Some piles don't require any treatment as they resolve on their own.
We have the

1. Home remedy:This can be deployed at home to also manage the piles. Common home remedies include:

• Sitz bath: where the patient puts some salt in a bowl of hot water and then sits on it so that the water irrigates the piles. This helps relieve the itching and also help lessen the pain.

• Dietary modification: Do away with all foods which can make your food become hard. No more bread, snacks, staples, and a list of other junks. Abstain from spicy and peppery foods. Instead, eat lots of fruits and vegetables. These are called high fibre diets. Drink a lot of water as well. You have to watch your diet very carefully. It is very important.

• Modify your sitting position: You don't have to sit directly on the pile.

1. Medical therapy: this basically involves the use of drugs to ease the pain removalo prevent infection. Again, there are drugs, stool softeners, that cause the stool of be very soft so that the pressure is reduced.

2. Surgical therapy: This is known as hemorrhoidectomy. It is the surgical removal of hemorrhoids. And it is the treatment of choice for stubborn, recurrent pile.

Image source

PREVENTION

Prevention, as they say, is far better than cure. This is because it pays more to prevent the condition than to treat it.

1. Avoid straining when defecating or urinating. The more you strain to urinate or defecate, the more you are exerting pressure and stress on the musecles of your anus.

2. Avoid getting constipated. Drink enough water so that your stool is soft.

3. Eat balanced diets.Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Their high fibre content helps aid bowel movements. If you are having constipation eat lots of bananas, watermelon, oranges, green leafy vegetables.

4. Avoid lifting abnormally heavy weights.

5. Delaying defecation.It is not healthy. Quickly go and defecate once you feel the urge.

Thanks for reading today's article. Hope you enjoyed it?