Piles, Pathophysiology, Treatment, Management, Outcome.
Root Cause
Hemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to: Straining during bowel movements. Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet. Having chronic diarrhea or constipation.
Types of Hemorrhoids:
- Internal Hemorrhoids
- External Hemorrhoids
- Thrombosed Hemorrhoids (severe case of Internal Hemorrhoids)
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids usually depend on the type of hemorrhoid.
External hemorrhoids:
These are under the skin around your anus. Signs and symptoms might include:
- Itching or irritation in your anal region
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling around your anus
- Bleeding
Internal hemorrhoids:
Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum. You usually can’t see or feel them, and they rarely cause discomfort. But straining or irritation when passing stool can cause:
- Painless bleeding during bowel movements. You might notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet
- A hemorrhoid pushes through the anal opening (prolapsed or protruding hemorrhoid), resulting in pain and irritation
Thrombosed hemorrhoids:
If blood pools in an external hemorrhoid and forms a clot (thrombus), it can result in:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- A hard lump near your anus
Causes
The veins around your anus tend to stretch under pressure and may bulge or swell. Hemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
- Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Being obese
- Being pregnant
- Having anal intercourse
- Eating a low-fiber diet
- Regular heavy lifting
Home Remedies to treat Hemorrhoids
Remedy- 1:
Materials Used: Triphala (combination of Amla, Haritaki, Bibhitaki), Indian gooseberry, Amla.
There are two measurement specifications for the preparation of Triphala Churna.
- Take equal proportions of the following ingredients:
- Harad or Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
- Baheda or Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica)
- Amla or Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
Take Haritaki fruit, Bibhitaki fruit, and Amalaki fruit in the ratio of 1 : 2 : 3
Procedure:
- Take all three dry ingredients in any of the above measurements. Or take all three types of fresh green fruits, remove the seeds and cut them into small pieces. Dry these pieces in shade for a week or until they are completely dried.
- If you have taken dried ingredients, then cut them into pieces by removing the seeds or grinding them individually using a mortar-pestle.
- After the coarse grinding, make a fine powder in a mixer-grinder.
- Mix all three sifted powders properly and store them in an airtight container. This Triphala Churna powder is best to take within 3 to 4 months.
Product Link: Amla, Haritaki, Bibhitaki
Remedy- 2: Radish and Milk
Materials Used: Radish with milk
Procedure:
A mixture containing radish and milk can be applied in the entrance of the anus twice a day to cure piles.
Remedy- 3: Mint Leaves and Ginger
Materials Used: Mint leaves and ginger along with a pinch of lemon juice and honey
Procedure:
A juicy extract of mint leaves and ginger along with a pinch of lemon juice and honey can be consumed twice a day to get rid of piles.
Product Link: Mint Leaves, Ginger, Lemon Juice, Honey
Other Remedies
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known as one of the best natural remedies for treating hemorrhoids. Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties. These properties help reduce the irritation of hemorrhoids. Aloe Vera is used for both internal and external piles. If you have external hemorrhoids, you should apply a little bit of Aloe Vera gel to your anus and slowly massage the area. This remedy will give quality results. It will relieve you from the pain and soothes the burning sensation. If you have internal hemorrhoids, you should cut Aloe Vera in strips. You should be sure that you have cut off the thorn-like parts of the plant. After you have cut off the Aloe Vera, place the slices in a container and freeze them. You should apply the icy cold Aloe Vera strips to the painful piles to relieve the pain, itching and burning sensation.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used primarily to treat external piles. It will help you to increase the elasticity of blood vessels. Vessels will help you to reduce inflammation. Also, vessels will help you to shrink the size of swollen blood vessels in the anal canal. You should consume one teaspoon of olive oil daily. This will help you to reduce inflammation and monounsaturated fats will improve the functionality of the excretory system. To make another remedy from olive oil you should crush the juice out of some plum leaves and add it to olive oil. After you have made this mixture, you should apply it on your hemorrhoids. This will help you to relieve the pain and swelling.
Almond oil
Almond oil is used for external piles. It has emollient and deep tissue properties which help to relieve the pain from hemorrhoids. If you want to use this remedy, you should dip a cotton ball in pure almond oil and apply the oil in the affected area. It eases and moisturizes inflammation. Also, it will relieve the burning and itching sensation in and around the anus. If you want to have better results, you should do this treatment several times a day.
When to see a doctor:
If you have bleeding during bowel movements or you have hemorrhoids that don’t improve after a week of home care, talk to your doctor.
Don’t assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, especially if you have changes in bowel habits or if your stools change in color or consistency. Rectal bleeding can occur with other diseases, including colorectal cancer and anal cancer.
Seek emergency care if you have large amounts of rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, dizziness or faintness.
Preventions
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft, so they pass easily. To prevent hemorrhoids and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids, follow these tips:
- Eat high-fiber foods: Eat more fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can cause hemorrhoids. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drink six to eight glasses of water and other liquids (not alcohol) each day to help keep stools soft
- Consider fiber supplements: Most people don’t get enough of the recommended amount of fiber — 20 to 30 grams a day — in their diet. Studies have shown that over-the-counter fiber supplements, such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel), improve overall symptoms and bleeding from hemorrhoids
