PILES- HOW TO PREVENT IT AND HOW TO CURE IT.

Piles, also known as Hemorrhoids, are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels that are found inside or around the anal canal.

The most common symptoms that patients experience are:

• bleeding after passing a stool (the blood is usually bright red).

• itching.

• a lump hanging down outside of the anus, which may need to be pushed back in after passing a stool.

• a mucus discharge after passing a stool.

• soreness, redness and swelling around the anus.

Causes:

The exact cause of hemorrhoids is unclear, but they are thought to be caused by too much straining on the toilet, due to prolonged constipation – this is often due to a lack of fiber in a person's diet. Chronic (long-term) diarrhea can also cause hemorrhoids.

Other factors that might increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids include:

· Being overweight or obese

· Age – with age ,body's supporting tissues get weaker, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids

· Pregnancy – which can place increased pressure on the lower abdomen thus making an individual prone to develop hemorrhoids.

This are few of the common causes which make a person prone to develop hemorrhoids.

Grades of hemorrhoids:

Grade 1 - Hemorrhoid protrudes into the anal canal but does not prolapse outside the anus.

Grade 2 - Hemorrhoid protrudes through the anus during straining or evacuation but returns spontaneously.

Grade 3 - Hemorrhoid protrudes through the anus during straining or evacuation but needs to be manually returned to position.

Grade 4 - Hemorrhoid remains prolapsed outside of the anus

A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot forms inside a hemorrhoidal vein, obstructing blood flow and causing a painful swelling of the anal tissues. They can be very painful and cause rectal bleeding if they become ulcerated.

Treatment:

a)Conservative treatment

Early cases of hemorrhoids or grade 1 hemorrhoids can be managed by conservative treatment.

This includes:

i) Avoiding constipation or excessive straining during passing stool

ii) High fiber diet

iii) Plenty of water to drink

iv) Avoid sedentary lifestyle and to do some form of exercise regularly as suited

v) In case of constipation – to take medications in order to avoid it.

b)Surgery:

Hemorrhoids which are advanced /can’t be managed by conservative treatment are managed by surgical intervention.

The most common procedures performed are:

i) Hemorrhoidectomy- in this the hemorrhoid is cut. Post surgery long term dressing is usually required.

ii) Hemorrhoid stapling- the hemorrhoid is cut via special staplers. No cut mark are present outside the body.

iii) Laser treatment for Hemorrhoid - a newer technique for treatment of hemorrhoids. In this laser energy are used for this minimal invasive procedure.

Prevention of Hemorrhoids:

There are few things which an individual can do in order to prevent development of piles. Even post-surgery one should maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent recurrence of piles.

• Eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fiber and liquids.

• Limit the amount of time you sit on the toilet. Avoid excessive straining during passing stool.

• Avoid constipation. In case of constipation, visit your doctor for medications.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

By following this basic thing one can prevent the development of piles to a great extent.