Piles or Haemorrhoids

Introduction

Haemorrhoids or piles are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and rectum. The haemorrhoidal veins are located in the lowest part of the rectum and the anus. Sometimes they swell so that the vein walls become stretched, thin, and irritated by passing bowel movements.

Haemorrhoids are classified into two general categories:

  1. Internal Haemorrhoids
  2. External Haemorrhoids
Piles

Causes of Haemorrhoids

Experts aren’t sure what causes hemorrhoids or to develop. Possible factors include: 

  • Straining during a bowel movement
  • Complications from chronic constipation
  • Sitting for a long period of time, especially on the toilet
  • A family history of hemorrhoids

Symptoms of Haemorrhoids

  • Bright red bleeding from the anus. Blood may streak the bowel movement or the toilet paper.
  • Tenderness or pain during bowel movements.
  • Painful swelling or a lump near the anus.
  • Anal itching.
  • A mucous anal discharge.

Haemorrhoids can be Diagnosed by

  • Per rectal Examination
  • Proctoscopy
  • Sigmoidopscopy

Prevention

A healthy diet and lifestyle are good insurance for preventing piles or haemorrhoids, whether you already suffer haemorrhoid symptoms or are intent on preventing them. 

Regular exercise is also important, especially if you have a sedentary job. Exercise helps in several ways: keeping weight in check, making constipation less likely, and enhancing muscle tone.

Healthy bowel habits also help prevent haemorrhoids. Use the toilet as soon as you feel the urge to do so. Also, avoid sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods (more than five minutes) and avoid straining during a bowel movement.

Foods with little fiber can cause or make constipation (and therefore hemorrhoids) worse, so it’s best to limit how much you eat of them.

  • White bread and bagels
  • Milk, cheese, and other dairy
  • Meat
  • Processed foods such as frozen meals and fast food

Watch the amount of salt you eat. It can lead to your body hanging on to water, which puts more pressure on your blood vessels. That includes the veins in your bottom that cause hemorrhoids.