Piles or hemorrhoids is a painful condition of inflammation and swelling that affects the veins around the anus or rectum. Although the pain can often be unbearable, in most cases the condition itself is not threatening. The condition is characterized by severe pain, especially with the passage of stools, and in some cases there may also be bleeding. Hemorrhoids may disappear by themselves without any treatment or may become itchy or inflamed and cause a significant amount of discomfort. Piles can also recur and cause internal bleeding and in some cases there may be a need for surgical intervention.
There are two main types of piles internal piles that develop inside the anus and rectum (and can be felt and not seen) and external piles that occur outside and around the anal opening (that can be easily seen). When an internal hemorrhoid protrudes outside the anus, it is known as a prolapsed hemorrhoid. It is also possible that you may develop both types of piles at the same time. Internal hemorrhoids are rarely painful and you may not even be aware of them. External hemorrhoids however can be painful and uncomfortable and may bleed along with the itching and inflammation.
Due to the embarrassing nature of the problem, many patients avoid visiting or even consulting health care specialists about the problem. Piles or hemorrhoids is not an uncommon problem however and its one that is prevalent among men and women alike and can be treated easily if diagnosed in time.
Symptoms are not always present and in many cases patients may not even be aware of the presence of piles because of the absence of symptoms. In most cases of hemorrhoids however the typical symptom is rectal pain. Mild cases usually resolve naturally within a few days and may not even require any treatment.
Commonly observed symptoms of piles include:
Whether dealing with internal or external piles there are certain circumstances under which you should seek immediate medical treatment:
More than 75% of Americans suffer from piles. Aging can contribute to developing hemorrhoids, as can constipation and straining during bowel movements. Typically the problem develops as a result of excessive pressure on the veins and blood vessels in the region or due to a weakness of the veins that could also be associated with other conditions like varicose veins. Conditions and circumstances that could therefore increase the risk of developing piles include:
A diagnosis of external piles can be made by simple observation. For internal hemorrhoids however, you may need a rectal examination that can be slightly uncomfortable. If necessary, your doctor may also have to use an anoscope or sigmoidoscope to study the anal canal in closer detail.
The medications usually prescribed for piles treatment include corticosteroid creams or ointments that are available over-the-counter. Corticosteroid pads that you place on the affected area can also help with the swelling and pain. Special hemorrhoid creams that contain lidocaine can help reduce the pain. If constipation is the cause of the piles, medications such as stool softeners or bulk laxatives may be necessary.
The best cure for piles includes a combination of medications and a change in diet and lifestyle. Diet and lifestyle changes are also absolutely essential for a long term cure and to prevent frequent recurrences. Laxatives and stool softeners are simply a temporary solution and prolonged reliance on the same can result in severe complications. There are also some home remedies for piles that can provide pain relief while the hemorrhoids heal.
To tackle a piles problem, you must make the following changes:
Some natural remedies for piles include:
In most cases with the proper treatment, piles should clear up in a week so. In case the piles are still present and painful after two weeks, consult with your doctor to discuss other treatment alternatives. If the hemorrhoids do not respond to any form of medication or home remedies, your doctor may recommend one of the following medical procedures:
Certain nutritional and dietary supplements may help counteract the recurring problem of piles. These include fiber supplements that help soften stools and reduce painful bowel movements. If you take a fiber supplement that contains Psyllium or the like, make sure you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily for the best results. Increase your intake of yogurt with live cultures to help improve your digestive health and prevent piles. If you cannot consume too much yogurt, opt for a probiotic supplement that contains friendly bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidus.
If you suffer from severe or chronic piles, it may be a good idea to switch to a cleansing all-fruit diet for a few days. Once your condition resolves however make sure that you continue to follow a healthy balanced diet. A diet for piles should also avoid processed foods, junk foods, foods that are high in fat and refined sugar, as well as caffeine and alcohol.
You can prevent piles by:
To get fast relief, sit in warm salt water for at least 5 mins. Repeat as frequently as possible
To get immediate relief from external piles pain sit in hot water tub for at least 15 mins and let the piles be exposed to water...guaranteed relief within minutes...it is effective for internal & bleeding piles also...
For itching & pain relief insert tablet size frozen clarified butter or coconut oil on piles
This is like a beetle nut. When soaked overnight in a cup of water, it swells. Crush it and squeeze its juice and drink on empty stomach first thing in the morning. The blood issuing through uterus, piles, ulcers or nose, all discharges reduce slowly with this. This juice extraction can be repeated in the evening also. If the fibroids are not malignant, this treatment will take care of bleeding and pain.