Piles is another term for hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swellings caused due to pressure being exerted on the veins in the region. The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids include; painless bleeding (even with only minor bowel movements) and irregular stool formation. Only some of its less common symptoms include itching, discharge of mucus or pus-filled matter, along with painful bowel movements.
Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in the rectum or anus that are often associated with constipation or straining to move stool. The outcome of piles is variable, because it depends on individual factors such as the chronicity and urgency, whether people are able to maintain appropriate nutrition, activity and fluid intake, and most importantly their mental approach.
What are piles?
Piles are swollen, inflamed collections of tissue in the anal area. They can be extremely painful and may bleed – even if you have been careful. Piles usually develop over time – the main cause is very often straining when going to the toilet, usually due to constipation or diarrhoea.
We all have them. Some may be external, and others may be internal. Piles are not only common, but they are also treatable. Piles affect up to 1 in 5 people at some time during their lives. A range of factors can make you at risk of having piles, and unfortunately, sometimes these can’t be avoided completely. However, it’s important to note that you don’t necessarily have to live with piles. In fact, there are a range of treatments available if you have them.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this disorder include a mass that may be hard under the skin around the anus, containing a lot of blood. Whether internal or external, hemorrhoids cause pain and bleeding during a bowel movement.
A common symptom of piles is the sensation that the bowels are full after passing a stool. This is due to swelling and inflammation in the walls of the rectum, which obstructs and prevents the bowel from completely emptying, leaving some fecal matter behind. Piles can worsen if this process is repeated, causing increased pain and discomfort.
If you have ever experienced bright red blood after a bowel movement, you know that it can be alarming. You may also wonder whether there are signs and symptoms caused by piles that you were previously unaware of.
The rectum is a closet-shaped canal that empties waste from the body. It runs along the base of the anus and connects to the anal canal through a short passage. This passage leads to the anus, which is the exit point for both the feces and gas in your digestive system. The anus itself is an opening surrounded by a muscular ring, known as an ”anal sphincter’.
The passing of stools can be uncomfortable for some. The pain can cause the person passing stool to experience a sense of urgency and in some cases, the passing of stool may become less frequent. This pain is called piles and here we explain the causes, symptoms, how to treat it and how to prevent it from happening again.
Causes
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed veins in the wall of the rectum. Cellulite can lead to piles or make them worse. The cause is unknown but many people who have piles suffer from constipation and hard stools. Piles usually occur in people over 40 years old, but anyone can develop them. Hemorrhoid symptoms include bleeding on passing a stool, pain, swelling and itching, though some people do not suffer any symptoms.
Chronic constipation can be a debilitating, painful condition, and it should be immediately addressed by a medical professional who can help to remove impacted stool from the colon and rectum; identifying the causes for chronic constipation will facilitate the proper diagnosis.
Chronic diarrhea is excessive bowel movement accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort. Sufferers may feel bloated or have a general sense of feeling unwell. The condition can last longer than 4 weeks, and is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fainting, nausea and vomiting.
Treatments
Most piles resolve on their own without the need for any treatment. However, some treatments can help significantly reduce the discomfort and itching that comes with piles. Lifestyle changes combined with medication is the most common treatment for piles.
If you’re uncomfortable, you may be tempted to push. But it’s important to resist when dealing with hemorrhoids. To avoid complications, avoid straining and don’t put off treatment if your symptoms don’t improve in a week or so.
Rubber band ligation is a procedure used to remove hemorrhoids. During this outpatient procedure, a small band made of silicone rubber is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off blood flow to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off, as well as causing other hemorrhoids to shrink as well.
You can use a number of tricks to treat piles at home. But sometimes, you need to visit your doctor for a surgical procedure: in some serious cases, electrocoagulation is used to stop blood flow to a hemorrhoid.
