My anus became so tight & compressed that stool does not pass out easily. Often my stool is black & loose & I have acidity problem. So is it piles. Age-23

The description you have provided sounds more like digestive trouble rather than anything else. The first thing you must examine is why your stools are black and loose. It is essential that you be aware that black stools are a sign that there may be internal bleeding which is showing up in your stools. This makes it absolutely important for you to go to a doctor and get yourself well and thoroughly examined to determine the reason for your black stools. If you are bleeding internally, then it would require a proper prolonged course of treatment to take care of whatever problem you might be having.

Loose stools are nothing really to be overly concerned about, unless they occur more than three to five times a day. If this is the case, then you are suffering from diarrhea and should take appropriate measures to treat yourself accordingly. For a tight and compressed anus, it is essential that you get it examined by a doctor. It could be that you have an injury which is making it so; in which case, it would need to be treated. Meanwhile, you can apply simple Vaseline to your anus and see if that helps in facilitating your stools.

answered by G M

Piles or Haemorrhoids refer to the condition in which the veins of the rectal region become inflamed leading to difficulty and pain while passing stools. It can either be external and thus felt outside the anus or internal which can even cause bleeding in addition to the pain and itching associated with piles. The main causes for piles are constipation and a diet that is low on fibre and high on spicy, fried foods that do not abet digestion and smooth bowel movement. Chronic diarrhoea is also one of the causes for piles and not a symptom. The constant pressure on the rectal veins during diarrhoea causes haemorrhoids, just like in constipation and even pregnancy!

Piles can be treated at home easily. For immediate relief from the pain and discomfort, you can apply a cold compress before sleeping and also sit in a tub, immersing the affected area in cold water for half an hour, twice a day. The cold water sooths the inflamed blood vessels offering relief. Mango seeds are an effective remedy and should be powdered and consumed in small quantities of 1.5 to 2 grams a day with or without honey. White radish is excellent for piles and can either be grated and eaten or consumed in the form of juice with a pinch of salt. It can also be grated and applied on the affected areas for relief. The Black berry fruit eaten every morning for 2 to 3 months can cure piles effectively. Another remedy involves daily consumption of a mixture of ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, ½ teaspoon of fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon of honey and ½ teaspoon of mint leaves. If the above mentioned remedies do not help, please consult your doctor.

answered by G M