Piles is another term for hemorrhoids. It is a group of inflamed tissue in the canal of the anal which includes blood vessels, support tissue, muscle, and elastic fibers.

It is shocking to hear that the symptoms of piles are only visible to 50 percent of the affected people. 

We will go through all the details of piles in this article.

Let’s start from the beginning:-

What are piles?

Simply it is a swollen and inflamed collection of tissues in the anal area of our body.

It can have many different sizes and it can be internal or external.

Internal piles are 2 and 4 centimeters long, situated above the opening area. 

On the other hand, external piles are situated outside the edge of the anus. 

In most cases, pails are not a serious issue, they are cured on their own. 

Main symptoms of Pails noted down here. But the symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on the type of hemorrhoid.

Here we are discussing the symptoms based on each type of hemorrhoid.

Internal hemorrhoids

As we mentioned earlier, Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum. Since these are not creating any irritation, mostly, you won’t feel the pain or something.  

• Painless bleeding during bowel movements is the major symptom. You can see some red color on toilet tissue paper.
• You will feel pain and irritation when bowels come out of the anal.

External hemorrhoid

It lies beneath the skin around the anal. Here are symptoms you have to keep an eye on.

• Itching or irritation in your anal region
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling around your anus
• Bleeding

Thrombosed hemorrhoids

If blood pools in external hemorrhoid and forms a clot (thrombus), it can result in:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• A hard lump near your anus

Now let’s discuss the main causes for this.

Pails are caused due to the improved pressure in the lower rectum. 

The blood vessels around the anus and in the rectum will stretch under pressure. 

It can happen due to:-

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting for long periods on the toilet
• Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Being obese
• Being pregnant
• Having anal intercourse
• Eating a low-fiber diet
• Regular heavy lifting

Risky situations:-

As you grow older, you become more vulnerable to piles. It is due to the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus weakening and stretching. It also applies if you are pregnant. 

What are the complications of hemorrhoids?

Blood coat

Rarely a clot can be formed. Even it is not dangerous to health, it can cause extreme pain. 

Anemia

Rarely, chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids may cause anemia, in which you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your cells.

Strangulated hemorrhoid

If the blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is cut off, the hemorrhoid may be “strangulated,” which can cause extreme pain.

How to prevent hemorrhoids?

The best medicine in any disease is prevention. This applies here also. Here are some tips you can follow.

Drink more fluids

Try to drink six to eight glasses of water and other liquids (not alcohol) each day to help keep stools soft.

Don’t strain

Straining and holding your breath when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower rectum.

Exercise

Being active can help you to reduce the pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting. 

Exercise can also help you lose excess weight that might be contributing to your hemorrhoids.

Avoid long periods of sitting

Sitting for too long in particular places like the toilet can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.  

Eat foods having more fibers

Include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your foods. Also, add some fibers to avoid gas problems. 

Treatment

Most cases are resolved on their own without treatment. Even though, some treatments can help to reduce the discomfort and itching that many people experience with piles. 

As a treatment for this, it can have three types of treatment. Lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical methods.

Medication

1- Over the counter (OTC) medications

It includes painkillers, ointments, creams, and pads that can help you to soothe redness around the anus.

But do not use more than seven days in a row. It can have some side effects, you if don’t get relieved, consult a doctor. 

2- Laxatives

Doctors refer this medicine to a patient with constipation. It helps to reduce the pressure on the lower colon. 

Surgical options

1-Sclerotherapy

A medicine is injected to make the piles shrink more. Gradually, hemorrhoid shrivels up. 

2- Infrared coagulation

This device is used to burn the hemorrhoid tissue. This technique is used to treat grade I and II hemorrhoids.

3- Banding

An elastic band is placed around the base of the pile, cutting off its blood supply. 

As a result of this, hemorrhoids fall off. 

Which food avoids in piles?

Low fiber and spicy food may increase pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.

Here are some low fiber foods to avoid:-

• Dairy products. such as milk, cheese, and other varieties.
• White flour. 
• Red meat. 
• Processed meats. 
• Fried foods. 
• Salty foods.

How long do piles take to heal?

The pain of thrombosed hemorrhoids should improve within 7 to 10 days without surgery. Normal hemorrhoids should shrink within a week. It may take a couple of weeks for the lump to completely go down.

Do piles make sitting uncomfortable?

Surely. Since it affects the anus part, it can make you discomfort in sitting and walking.

Conclusion

Piles can be painful and create a lot of discomfort in our daily life. Our lifestyle has a major part in this. Leading a healthy lifestyle can solve problems up to a limit. 

So, consult a doctor when you are getting stuck.

Don’t hesitate to do that.

Now,  You can always book appointments online using ShopDoc with expert doctors. 

Also, call us on 1800 889 2559 for any help.