Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are inflamed and swollen blood vessels located in a person's anus. They most often appear in areas called anal cushions. Excessive straining when passing stool is what causes blood vessels to swell. Although hemorrhoids can occur in people of all ages, they are most commonly experienced by people over the age of 65. People who are above their average weight are more likely to get hemorrhoids and they are quite common during pregnancy.
Symptoms of Piles
Hemorrhoids have several symptoms, including bleeding from the anal canal, viscous discharge, itchy skin around the anus, and discomfort or pain after passing stool. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with your piles doctor. Although hemorrhoids affect three out of four people, hemorrhoid symptoms can also be an indication of other more serious conditions.
Causes of Piles
Medical professionals aren't sure exactly why people develop piles. However, in addition to increased pressure in a person's anal blood vessels, there are other possible causes of hemorrhoids. People who do not get enough fiber in their diet are likely to suffer from constipation. Because it increases the likelihood of straining during a bowel movement, a low-fiber diet is considered a likely cause of hemorrhoids. Lifting heavy loads is also linked to the formation of piles. People who work in a job that requires heavy lifting are more prone to hemorrhoids due to the pressure put on the blood vessels while lifting. Pregnant women often suffer from hemorrhoid symptoms due to the rapid weight gain associated with pregnancy. If your doctor diagnoses you with hemorrhoids, they will be able to assess your diet and lifestyle and tell you what is likely causing your hemorrhoids.
Diagnostic
Hemorrhoids are extremely uncomfortable and severe cases can cause serious individual problems. This is why it is important for a person to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Along with discussing your symptoms, your doctor will perform an internal piles treatment exam so you can assess for hemorrhoids yourself. The exam usually involves the doctor gently placing a gloved finger into the opening of the anus. However, the doctor is just as likely to use a proctoscope, a narrow telescopic camera, to ensure they have a clear picture of the piles and surrounding area. If you have symptoms of severe hemorrhoids, your doctor may refer you to your local hospital for a colonoscopy test. This will give you a clearer picture of the batteries and rule out any other potential conditions.
Piles Treatment
Lifestyle and diet changes can help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. For example, a high fiber diet will ensure that your stools are easy to pass and will reduce instances of strain. Regularly taking a warm bath will relieve the itching. There are a variety of different medications, most commonly lotion or gels, to help get rid of hemorrhoids. Depending on the severity of the case of hemorrhoids, most medications take about six weeks to work. If these medications don't work and your hemorrhoids are still a problem, your doctor may recommend a non-surgical treatment called banding. This involves placing a small elastic band tight around the base of the piles. This cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoids, which encourages them to die and eventually fall off.
0
Sign in to leave a comment.