What are Piles?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, and are a painful condition when veins around the anus or in the lower rectum become swollen. The swelling causes a lot of pain and discomfort. Internal hemorrhoids develop within the anus or rectum, while external hemorrhoids develop outside the anus and can be caused by bowel movements that cause them to bulge out due to constipation. Sometimes blood can pool in external hemorrhoids and form a clot (thrombus), these are known as thrombosed hemorrhoids.
What are symptoms of Piles?
Symptoms typically depend on the type of Hemorrhoids. They include:
- Painless bleeding during bowel movements (For internal hemorrhoids)
- Itching and irritation in the anal region
- Pain and discomfort
- Swelling around the anus
- A hard, discoloured lump near the anus (For thrombosed hemorrhoids)
What are the causes and risk factors for Piles?
Hemorrhoids may develop from increase pressure in the lower rectum. This increased pressure may be due to:
- Straining during bowel movement
- Sitting for a long time on the toilet
- Having chronic diarrheoa or constipation
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Eating a low fibre diet
Your risk of developing hemorrhoids increases as you age as the tissues supporting the veins in your rectum and anus may weaken and stretch.
How do you prevent Piles?
The best way to prevent Piles is to keep your stools soft so they pass easily. Here are some tips you can follow to prevent hemorrhoids:
- Eat a high-fiber diet: Eating more fruit, vegetables and whole grains softens your stool and increases its bulk. This will help you avoid straining that may cause hemorrhoids.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking enough fluids help to keep your stools soft.
- Don't strain when passing motion: Straining and holding your breath when trying to pass motion causes greater pressure in the veins of the lower rectum.
- Exercise regularly: Staying active helps prevent constipation and reduces pressure on veins.
- Avoid long periods of sitting: Sitting too long, especially on the toilet can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.
How are Piles diagnosed?
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is done to examine the inside of the colon and rectum.
Digital examination
A digital rectal examination examines the internal organs in the lower rectum
