Uncomfortable rectal pains and swollen veins are typical symptoms of Piles, commonly referred to as Haemorrhoids. Piles affect almost any individual with high predisposition to factors that stimulate the onset of the condition. These risk factors include having a low fibre diet, poor sitting position, spinal cord injury, sitting for long periods of time and straining during bowel movements. Those who have anal intercourse, obese individuals and pregnant women are also more prone to developing the condition. It also tends to be more common in older people due to weakening of the muscles associated with ageing.

SYMPTOMS OF PILES

Symptoms may vary slightly depending on the location. External piles, for example, lie under the anal skin and may lead to bloodletting when irritated. Clotting may also occur, bringing about great discomfort and inflammation. Internal haemorrhoids do not cause similar discomfort and are located inside the rectum. This type may only be felt during difficult stooling, which leads to straining of the muscles, and eventually bleeding.

Other common symptoms of piles include swelling and lumps around the anus.Discomfort and pain when assuming a sitting posture, red colouration of stools, toilet bowl or paper are also common. The very uncomfortable condition may not clear up without treatment in some cases, so seeing your physician is key to effectively taking care of the piles.

COMPLICATIONS

It may not always be haemorrhoids when rectal bleeding is seen. In some cases, rectal bleeding may symptomize more debilitating conditions like anal or bowel cancer. So if blood clots have started to form or you experience incessant bleeding, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is likely time to consult your doctor. Other complications that shouldn’t be ignored include passing maroon or black-coloured stools, poor response to treatment and significant change in bowel activity or blood laden stool.

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TREATMENT OPTIONS

Self-treatment, except in serious cases requiring minor surgeries, is often likely to manage the condition well. These home treatment procedures, like buying treatment creams containing mild corticosteroids and using softeners to enhance swift bowel movement during stooling can go a long way. It should be remembered, however, that the condition may recur after treatment, so it has to be monitored regularly. Applying a cold compress on the affected area will help relieve swelling. Surgical procedures such as laser coagulation that shrivels the haemorrhoids, rubber band ligation, haemorrhoid stapling and injections may be performed by a doctor as is necessary in serious cases.

PREVENTION

Preventing piles isn’t as difficult as the condition. Basic lifestyle changes such as avoiding prolonged sitting, taking foods rich in fibre, avoiding anal intercourse and injuries that may affect the spine are key in keeping you safe. Taking swift control of prolonged diarrhoea and minimizing vomiting, sneezing and coughing also help.

Drinking plenty of water, avoid straining the anal muscles when stooling, plenty of exercise and adding fibre supplements to your diet are decent preventive strategies. They could also help immensely in reversing symptoms of current haemorrhoids.