By managing these risk factors through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper bathroom habits, the risk of developing piles can be reduced.

Piles (hemorrhoids) and fissures are common anal conditions. Piles are swollen veins in the rectum or anus, causing pain, itching, or bleeding during bowel movements. Fissures are small tears in the anal lining, leading to sharp pain and sometimes bleeding. Both are often linked to constipation, hard stools, or straining during bowel movements. While they affect various parts of the anal area, similar factors, like poor diet or low fiber intake, can trigger them, making prevention and treatment approaches related.

 

Causes of Piles

 

Piles are swollen or inflamed veins in the rectum or anus. They can be painful and cause discomfort, especially during or after bowel movements. There are two types: internal (inside the anus) and external (around the outside of the anus). Causes of Piles include:

 

• Constipation:

  Straining during bowel movements puts pressure on the veins in the rectal area, leading to swelling.

• Chronic Diarrhea:

  Frequent bowel movements or loose stools can irritate the anal area, causing inflammation.

• Pregnancy:

  The growing uterus puts extra pressure on the rectal veins, making women more prone to piles.

• Obesity:

  Being overweight can put extra pressure on the lower body, including the veins in the rectal area.

• Aging:

  As we get older, the tissues supporting the veins in the anus weaken, which can lead to piles.

• Sitting or Standing for Long Periods:

  Prolonged sitting or standing, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure on the veins in the anus.

• Low-Fiber Diet:

  A diet low in fiber can lead to constipation, making bowel movements more difficult and straining more likely.

• Heavy Lifting:

  Lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous activities can also increase pressure in the rectal veins.

By addressing these causes, like increasing fiber intake and staying active, piles can often be prevented or treated.

 

Symptoms of Piles

 

The symptoms of piles can vary depending on their type (internal or external), but common signs include:

 

• Pain or Discomfort:

  You may feel pain or discomfort, especially when sitting or during bowel movements.

• Bleeding:

  There may be bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement.

• Itching:

  The area around the anus may feel itchy or irritated.

• Swelling or Lumps:

  You might notice a lump or swelling around the anus, which can be tender or painful to touch.

These symptoms can be mild or severe, and in some cases, piles may not cause noticeable symptoms at all. If you experience any of these, it is a promising idea to see a doctor for advice and treatment.

 

Treating Piles

 

Treatment for piles depends on how severe they are. Here’s how piles can be treated:

 

• Lifestyle Changes:

  – Increase Fiber: Eating more fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) help soften stools and prevent constipation, reducing strain during bowel movements.
  – Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated keeps stool soft and easier to pass.
  – Exercise Regularly: Being active helps prevent constipation and keeps blood flowing, reducing pressure on veins.

• Over-the-Counter Creams and Ointments:

  Special creams and ointments can help reduce swelling, itching, and discomfort around the anus.

• Warm Baths (Sitz Baths):

  Soaking in warm water for 10-15 minutes a few times a day can soothe the area and reduce pain.

• Pain Relief:

  Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help ease pain and discomfort.

• Avoid Straining:

  Avoid straining during bowel movements. Take your time and do not hold your breath when pushing.

• Medical Treatments:

  – Rubber Band Ligation: A doctor may place a rubber band around the base of an internal pile to cut off blood flow, causing it to shrink and fall off.
  – Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the pile to shrink it.
  – Infrared Coagulation: A laser is used to burn the pile, making it shrink.

• Surgery (for Severe Cases):

  In rare cases, if other treatments do not work, a doctor may suggest surgery to remove the piles.

Most cases of piles can be treated with lifestyle changes and home remedies. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult a doctor for further treatment.

 

Is Fissure similar to Piles?

 

A fissure and piles (hemorrhoids) are both conditions that affect the anal area, but they are different in nature:

 

• Fissure:

  A fissure is a small tear or crack in the skin around the anus, often caused by passing hard stools or straining during bowel movements.
  It causes sharp pain, especially during or after bowel movements, and may lead to bleeding.
  Fissures are more likely to cause pain immediately after a bowel movement, with a feeling of rawness or burning.

• Piles (Hemorrhoids):

  Piles are swollen veins in or around the anus. They can be internal (inside the anus) or external (around the outside of the anus).
  They may cause itching, swelling, bleeding, and discomfort, especially during bowel movements.
  Pain from piles is usually less intense than from fissures but swelling or discomfort can persist for a longer time.

Key differences between both:

 

If you suspect a brain tumor due to persistent or unusual symptoms, the next step is to seek medical evaluation promptly. Here is what typically happens:

 

• Cause: Fissures are usually caused by a tear in the anal skin, while piles are swollen veins.
• Pain: Fissures tend to cause sharp, intense pain, while piles cause more dull discomfort or swelling.
• Appearance: Fissures are cracks or tears, while piles appear as lumps or swelling.

Although they are different conditions, both can occur together in some cases due to similar causes like constipation or straining during bowel movements. Proper treatment can help relieve symptoms and promote healing.

 

Who is at risk of piles?

 

Several factors can increase the risk of developing piles (hemorrhoids). People who are more likely to get piles include:

 

• People with Constipation: Straining to pass hard stools puts pressure on the veins in the rectum, leading to swollen veins (piles).
• Pregnant Women: During pregnancy, the growing uterus can put pressure on the rectal veins, and hormonal changes can make the veins more likely to swell.
• Older Adults: As we age, the tissues that support veins in the anal area can weaken, increasing the risk of piles.
• Obese Individuals: Excess weight can put added pressure on the rectal veins, making piles more likely.
• People with Chronic Diarrhea: Frequent diarrhea can irritate the anal area, increasing the chances of developing piles.
• People with a Sedentary Lifestyle: Not getting enough physical activity can contribute to constipation and poor blood circulation, which can raise the risk of piles.
• People who Lift Heavy Objects: Repeatedly lifting heavy objects can increase pressure on the veins in the rectal area, raising the likelihood of piles.
• People with a Low-Fiber Diet: A diet low in fiber can lead to constipation, which in turn increases the risk of developing piles.
• Those who Spend Long Periods Sitting or Standing: Sitting or standing for prolonged periods, especially on the toilet, can cause increased pressure on the anal veins.

By managing these risk factors through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper bathroom habits, the risk of developing piles can be reduced.