Main Cause Of Piles (Hemorrhoids)

Have you ever felt an itch or pain that makes you wonder, ‘What’s happening down there?’ Well, that might be piles or also known as hemorrhoids. In simple terms, it is a condition in which the surrounding blood vessels located inside and around the anal canal become inflamed and cause pain. Piles is the most common condition reported by millions annually. But what really causes them? The piles main reason is straining during bowel movements, often due to constipation or chronic diarrhoea. Aging weakens the rectum canal, increasing the risk. Persistent coughing and heavy lifting are also the main causes of hemorrhoids.

What Are Piles And Its Different Types?

Piles are swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum or anus, similar to varicose veins. They can be either inside or outside the body.

Internal Piles

Internal piles are located inside the rectum and cannot be seen. Although mostly painless, these may bleed while passing stool. If they have prolapsed, they cause severe pain, swelling, and itching.

External Piles

External piles occur under the skin, in the anus. This kind of hemorrhoid can be extremely painful especially so when one sits or has a bowel movement. External hemorrhoids are also at high risk of forming blood clots, which can cause a painful condition called thrombosed hemorrhoids.

What Are The Main Reasons Of Piles?

Being Overweight

The extra weight increases pressure on the veins in your rectal area. The increased blood pressure is what causes these veins to be swollen, which often leads to piles. A healthy weight and well-balanced diet coupled with regular exercise will prevent this condition.

Constipation

It occurs for very common reasons, such as straining while at passage of stool. Over time, it is one of the main causes of piles. Having a diet rich in fiber, good fluid intake, and not postponing going to the toilet will prevent the occurrence of piles associated with constipation.

Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is no doubt considered a happy time, though there may be some uncomfortable side effects like piles. With pregnancy, the growing uterus puts added pressure on the rectal veins, which can sometimes be the main reason for piles. The hormonal changes of this stage may cause slow digestion, which further could enhance the chances of getting piles with constipation.

Ageing

Ageing is inevitable as the tissues that support those veins in our rectal area weaken and get stretched. This is why piles are more prevalent in older people. Although you cannot prevent growing old, living healthy and following a preventive approach may help to minimize the risk.

Hereditary Factors

If your parents or near relatives have experienced piles, you could be prone to suffering from this condition. Genetic factors may affect your vein wall strength as well as your tendency to develop varicose veins, which include piles. You cannot do much about your genetics, but knowing about this risk factor can perhaps help you take some preventive measures.

Sitting For Too Long

Nowadays, sitting hours especially on the toilet for long hours causes added tension on the veins of the rectum, thereby resulting in piles. Take regular breaks to stand and walk, and avoid sitting on toilets for prolonged periods of time as a good way to avoid piles.

Poor Diet

 

Depending on what you eat, a low-fiber diet along with eating too many processed foods can make you constipated. In fact, constipation is considered one of the major factors that may lead to piles. Fiber makes the stool soft and easy to throw out so that the rectal veins will not be subjected to strain more than that. Therefore, piles can be prevented if you include fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, and legumes in your daily diet.

 

Hemorrhoids Treatments

Home Treatments

Home treatments are very effective for mild cases of piles. Some home treatments include:

1) Sitz Baths: Pain can be relieved, and the swelling can be reduced by immersing the affected area in warm water for 15-20 minutes, repeat this 2-3 time in a day.

2) Cold Compress: It can be applied to the affected area to quickly relieve the pain and inflammation.

3) Creams and ointments: There are many types of ointments and creams that can be used for soothing the symptoms of piles.

4) High-fiber diet: Add fiber-rich food to your means to soften the stool and reduce the strain during a bowel movement.

Medications

In more severe cases, medications may be necessary to manage the symptoms of piles. These include:

- Painkillers: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

- Laxatives: When constipated, doctors recommend a laxative to help soften the stool and regulate easier bowel movement.

- Prescription Medications: For some cases, one might need prescription creams or ointments to decrease especially swollen skin and pain.

In case of severe or chronic piles, one may require medical procedures like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgery.

Conclusion

Although piles are an uncomfortable and at times painful condition, they are both preventable and treatable. Knowing the causes of piles, from obesity to sitting for a long time is just the beginning to set off the chain of events to prevent piles. If you’re already dealing with piles, there are a number of home treatments and medications that help alleviate symptoms. Remember, it is a healthy lifestyle with a high-fiber diet, exercise, and hydration that prevents piles.

FAQs

How do you stop getting piles?

Have a diet rich in fiber, drink adequate water, avoid straining stools for a long time, and give a gap between changing postures during prolonged sitting to prevent piles. Exercises and checking weight are also good preventives for piles.

What habits cause piles?

Some habits are straining at stool, prolonged sitting especially in the toilet and having low fiber intake in your diet.

How can I avoid piles?

Make a few lifestyle modifications like a high-fiber diet, taking a large quantity of water, regular exercise, and avoiding prolonged sitting.

How can piles be treated?

These include piles treatment by home remedies, over-the-counter medications, and modifying risk factors associated with lifestyle. Severe cases may require medical treatments, seek medical help for the best treatment options.

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