Is piles a infective disease


Hemorrhoids or piles is not an infectious disease. It is a condition characterized by the swollen and red veins of the anus and rectum. This happens because increased pressure on the rectum walls affects the muscles supporting the hemorrhoidal vessels. The subsequent enlargement of the vessels causes the veins to protrude in the anal canal. Hemorrhoids can be either external or internal in nature. External hemorrhoids usually cause rectal pain. Clotting may also occur causing the hemorrhoids to harden. There may also be bleeding due to straining during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids cause bleeding and it is characterized by the appearance of fresh bright red blood in the stools or on the toilet paper. Hemorrhoids can also cause itching as there is some amount of mucus discharge which causes irritation. In some cases the internal hemorrhoids extend out of the anus. They can sometimes be gently put back inside. If left outside, the swelling could increase. When the hemorrhoids bulge, it may result in discomfort as they may get squeezed by the anal muscles.

This condition may be caused due to excessive straining during bowel movements. Diets which are low in fiber lead to the state of Constipation, thereby causing difficulty during bowel movements. Pregnancy is often characterized by the development of hemorrhoids. This is because the growing fetus puts pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins, causing them to swell and become inflamed. Hemorrhoids usually heal on their own provided there is no continued straining. However, since the walls of the affected veins become weak, there is a possibility of future occurrences of hemorrhoids.

Constipation increases the risk of hemorrhoids, and as such it is important to increase the content of fiber in the diet. An easy way to get relief from hemorrhoids is to sit in a bath of warm water at regular intervals during the day. This will help to alleviate the swelling and pain. An ice compress applied to the affected area will also have a soothing effect and will help to give temporary relief. Applying petroleum jelly to the hemorrhoids will also relieve the pain. Zinc cream may also be applied to the inflamed anus skin. aloe vera gel applied directly to the affected area will soothe the inflammation. A well known remedy for hemorrhoids is the regular application of witch hazel. A mixture of lemon juice and ginger juice may be taken internally for relief from piles. Grated radish mixed with milk can also be applied to the hemorrhoids for quick relief.

answered by G M

Piles or hemorrhoids are classified into two broad categories, internal and external and you may be suffering from either or both types. But to answer your question, no, piles is not an infective disease.

The anal canal has veins on the inner and outer side that cover the anus. Excessive pressure or damage to the veins leads to the swelling, inflammation or rupture of these veins. This leads to piles internally or externally and at times both. Internal hemorrhoids cannot be seen while external can be seen and felt. External hemorrhoids usually form around the anus in the form of swelling or excess skin.

The various causes that lead to hemorrhoids or piles range from age, straining during bowel movements, constipation, pregnancy, anal infection, diarrhea, sedentary life style, low fiber diet, obesity, coughing or liver diseases. All these situations cause excessive strain on the veins which results in piles. Piles are common among pregnant women because of the increased weight on the lower abdomen as the uterus enlarges. Some strong indicators of piles include blood in your stools or directly after, soft lumps or swelling around the anus and in some cases anal itching. These indicators generally help the doctor to decide the extent of damage to the anal veins.
 
Try some basic steps to help reduce pain and discomfort. Applying coconut oil or almond oil on the anus is recommended incase the skin around the area goes dry. You should also wear loose undergarments and keep the anus clean at all times. Always use a moist pad, cotton wool or toilet paper to clean yourself and then gently pat dry.  Ice packs and warm compresses will alleviate pain and discomfort. Increasing water and fiber intake is one of the best ways to tackle piles.   

Herbal remedies include preparation of herbal decoctions that can help reduce the pain and discomfort. Try drinking tea made from witch hazel leaves or bark. Boil a teaspoon of crushed witch hazel leaves or bark in a cup of boiling water for three minutes. Allow the tea to cool and keep it covered for ten minutes. Strain the solution and have it twice a day to help treat piles. Witch hazel is known to treat hemorrhoids effectively. Even applying witch hazel extracts with a cotton ball to the affected areas can help shrink and contract the blood vessels causing piles. Alternatively you can also try an herbal infusion made from yarrow herb or blossoms. Crush a teaspoon of the herb or blossoms in a cup of water in a covered container. Allow the mixture to blend for five to six hours. Strain the solution and have it twice a day.

answered by G M

Piles advice 

If you are asking whether piles is infectious — that is, whether it can be transmitted or caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other parasites, then the answer is no. Piles is not caused by infection, but by excessive and chronic pressure on the tissues and veins in the anus and rectum. Piles is also known as hemorrhoids, which are basically the inflamed tissues in this area.

In some people, the veins in the rectum and anus are already weak, either genetically or due to disease or some other medical condition, so even relatively normal, regular pressure can result in hemorrhoids over a period of time. Some conditions that can lead to the development of hemorrhoids include hypertension and obesity. Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy can also lead to the development of hemorrhoids. In most cases however, excessive straining when passing a stool is the cause. This is mostly due to chronic constipation, but can also be due to diarrhea. Except for very severe cases, the best way to treat hemorrhoids is to address the causes themselves. If this is done, then the body heals itself over time, and recurrence of the condition is also prevented. Meanwhile, a cold compress applied to the anus a couple of times a day can ease the symptoms of pain and itching. 

answered by M W


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