Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are caused by enlarged tissues, veins, and muscles in the anal region. They can be internal or external. External piles form around the edge of the anus, whereas internal piles form 3 to 4 millimeters inside the anal canal.
Common symptoms of piles include:
– Hard and sore lumps around the anal area, filled with coagulated blood, also known as thrombosed external hemorrhoids.
– A feeling of fullness, even after passing stools.
– Blood during bowel movements.
– Itchy, red, and sore anal area.
– Pain during bowel movements.
If not treated, piles can lead to severe complications like excessive blood loss during bowel movements, infections, anal fistula, or strangled hemorrhoids.
Piles often occur when the veins in the anal region experience pressure and strain due to several reasons, including:
– Excessive strain during bowel movements.
– Spending too long sitting on the toilet.
– Conditions like Irritable bowel syndrome or blockage.
– Obesity.
– Pregnancy.
– A diet low in fiber.
– Heavy lifting.
When it comes to diagnosing piles, your doctor may:
– Carry out a rectal exam by feeling for swollen veins with a gloved, lubricated finger.
– Use an anoscope (a lighted tube) to check the anus and rectum.
– Conduct a sigmoidoscopy, using a lighted tube with a camera to examine the lower part of the colon and rectum.
These tests are generally not painful and do not require sedation. Based on the results, additional tests, maybe recommended, including a colonoscopy. Also, laser treatment can be an effective solution for piles.
Here are some helpful remedies for piles:
– High-fiber foods: Foods rich in fiber can soften stools, reducing strain during bowel movements. Try to include green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits (except bananas), dried fruits, prune juice, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet.
– Apple cider vinegar: Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the affected area for a few minutes. This can help reduce inflammation.
– Coconut oil: It can act as a natural moisturizer, alleviating symptoms of hemorrhoids. Applying virgin coconut oil to the affected area can minimize swelling and itching.
– Cold and warm compress: Applying a cold pack can minimize local pain and discomfort, but make sure not to place it directly on skin for more than 10 minutes. Then, replace it with a warm pack.
– Sitz bath: A warm, short bath can help soothe symptoms by relaxing muscles around the anal area and boosting blood flow. You can either fill a bathtub halfway or buy a sitz bath that fits over the toilet seat.
Epsom salts can also be added to a sitz bath or applied directly to the inflamed area for further relief. It might be a little uncomfortable to talk about piles, and if you’re a woman, you might consider consulting female doctors who specialize in piles for advice.
