Piles

Piles (or hemorrhoids) arise due to congestion in the vessels (mainly veins) around the anal canal. The condition becomes symptomatic due to certain activities that increase the venous pressure, as this causes distention and engorgement of the vessels.

Piles are generally confused with fissures, by many patients. Fissure is nothing but a temporary injury in the anus (caused due to hard stool).

Causes of piles

The condition is usually caused due to certain factors such as chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, lack of exercise or physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, junk food habits (lack of vegetables, fruits, salad), habit of straining at stool, pregnancy, low fiber diet, general weakness, mental stress and other bowel disorders.

Clinical complaints

A variety of anal complaints can be presented in hemorrhoids. Main symptoms include bleeding, mucus discharge and prolapse of rectum. Bleeding is of bright red blood that is visible as streaks on the toilet paper or stool or may drip into the toilet bowl after passing stool.

Ways to combat piles

In early stages, treatment includes in avoiding constipation by increasing high fiber diet, increasing intake of fluid with the meals and straining less while passing stool.

Dietary advice includes vegetables, radish, bitter gourd, ginger, onion, papaya, figs, mango seeds, brown rice, green salad, fruits (instead of juices) especially blackberries and plenty of water.

Dietary restrictions include strictly avoiding hot, spicy food and non-vegetarian food. Recurrence of the symptom is common if proper dietary habits are not maintained.

Regular exercise, in order to aid the bowel movement is strongly recommended. Exercises of the abdominal muscles improve rectal circulation and relieve the congestion to a great extent. Sitting in hot water also relieves the condition immediately. Coconut oil may be applied for itching in the rectum.

However, in severe cases, the opinion of the gastroenterologist must be seeked.