BRIEF IDEA ABOUT PILES (Hemorrhoids)

What are piles?

Hemorrhoids refer to the dilatation of rectal vein radicles within the anal canal, known as piles. The medical term for piles is hemorrhoids. Due to their thin walls, veins are weaker than arteries, and any backpressure can cause them to become tortuous. There are three types of rectal veins: the superior, middle, and inferior rectal veins. Any obstructions or increase in pressure in these veins can predispose patients to pile formation.

Depending upon the situation, there are two types of piles.

1) External piles. 2) Internal piles.

1) External piles:

Skin covers this type of pile, which is visible beyond the anal opening. It is black or brown in color. This type of pile is very painful due to the rich nerve supply in this area.

2) Internal piles:

It is situated within the anal canal, directly adjacent to the anal orifice. A mucous membrane covers it, giving it a red or purple color. These piles are painless.

Sometimes, an individual experiences both internal and external piles.

Factors responsible for piles:

1) This is a familial disease.

Only animals that maintain an erect posture show piles. This condition is caused by congestion in the rectal veins, which occurs due to the influence of gravity.

3) Chronic constipation is a common condition among individuals. Those who have a habit of visiting the toilet due to a frequent urge for stools may develop piles in the future.

4) People who consume excessive amounts of chicken, prawns, spicy food, and other similar items often develop piles. Vegetables and fibrous foods rarely cause piles.

5) Some women experience piles during pregnancy as a result of the uterus compressing their rectal veins.

6) Cancerous lesions in the rectum can obstruct blood flow and result in piles.

Signs and symptoms of piles:

1) Pain:-

Pain is common in external piles, and it will worsen while straining at the stool.

2) Bleeding:-

Splashes of bleeding occur when pressing for stool. Bleeding may be profuse in some cases.

3) Protruding mass:

The swelling around the anal orifice is palpable in external piles. Internal piles initially remain unseen. As the disease progresses, the piles will protrude during stools and will naturally return inside the body. When the condition becomes worse, the protruded piles will not go back into the anus.

4) In some cases, there may be a discharge of mucus and itching around the anal orifice.

Complications of piles:

1. Infection: The infection can spread to deep veins, resulting in septicaemia.
2. Fibrosis: Here the piles become fibrotic with the hardening of the anal orifice.
3. Thrombosis: In this condition, the blood within the clots can form and obstruct blood flow.
4. Gangrene: This condition occurs when the tissues in the piles and nearby skin die due to a lack of blood supply.5. Suppuration: When the piles suppurate, it can result in an abscess that discharges pus.

Treatment of piles:

Initially, treatment is based on the symptoms. Constipation should be treated. If anemia is present, administer iron. Homoeopathic medicines can give beneficial results. If the medicinal treatment fails to yield any results, consider the following options:

Under local anesthesia, we excise the thrombosed external pile.

2) Sclerosant injection therapy can reduce the size of piles.

3) Rubber band ligation around the neck of piles is useful in some cases.

4) Cryosurgery is very effective.

5) Anal dilatation can reduce constipation and pain.

6) Hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of piles.

How to prevent piles?

1) Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

2) Take fibrous food.

3) Avoid excess intake of meat, prawns, crabs, ect.

4) Maintain a regular schedule for eating.

6) Drink sufficient quantity of water.