Piles Treatment

Piles are formed from enlarged blood vessels near the opening of the anus that start to bleed. They rarely become or indicate serious problems, but can be uncomfortable and difficult to deal with. Fortunately, their causes are easily identified and their treatment reasonable.

Causes

• Piles develop over a long period of time and stem from two common causes: bad diet and lifestyle choices. Carbonated drinks, excessive teas and coffees, junk food and the lack of vegetables, fruits and other forms of fiber play a significant part in upsetting regular bowel processes. The extra stress we put ourselves through and the more sedentary activities taking up our time also aggravate our bowels. Because of stress and time restraints, many people tend to strain when using the bathroom to hurry the process. Excessive pushing adds pressure to the blood flow in that area which encourages pile development. Other conditions such as age, pregnancy, weight, chronic bowel issues and heredity can manifest piles.

Grades

• Piles are rated depending on their severity and can be either internal or external. Grade 1 are small swellings inside the anus that cannot be seen or felt. Grade 2 piles are pushed out during defecation but quickly return inside the body when bowel movement has ended. When piles hang outside the anus for an extended period of time after using the bathroom but can be pushed back in, they have reached grade 3. Grade 4 piles are permanently outside the body and can grow marble sized if not cared for.

Other issues

• Bleeding is a common factor with most varieties of piles. Because the blood vessels are swollen, the membrane is thin and prone to ruptures. Blood can be present on the stool or on toilet paper, and though the amount varies, it is rarely large enough to warrant emergency action. Chronic bleeding needs to be reported to a doctor. Soreness and itching are also to be expected. When the piles have reached grades 3 and 4, there is often the sensation of something sitting at the entrance to the anus, and bowel movements tend to feel incomplete because of the bulging vessels keeping the anus slightly open.

Solutions

• Most causes of piles can be remedied by a few simple lifestyle habits, all of which revolve around keeping stool soft and easily, regularly passed. Add high-fiber vegetables and fruit, whole-grain foods and lots of water to your diet while avoiding spicy meals and excessive meat. The fluids and complex fibers prevent constipation and backups in the intestines. Take time to exercise. Proper blood flow and muscle use encourages all your bodily systems to maintain regularity. Avoid sitting on the toilet for extended periods. If these do not reduce piles, or if they continue to progress or have been at a grade 4 for a long time, medical help is available. The available treatments will vary by doctor, but a few popular ones are relatively painless. Rubber band ligation cuts off blood flow until the pile falls off, there are injections to shrink the veins and infrared light to coagulate the vessel.