Cape One Health

What are piles?

Dilatation of radicles of rectal veins within the anal canal is called piles. The medical term for piles is hemorrhoids. Compared to arteries veins are weak due to thin walls and hence any backpressure in the veins can make them tortuous. There are three rectal veins namely superior, middle and inferior rectal veins. Any obstructions or increase of pressure in these veins can predispose piles.

Depending upon the situation there are two types of piles.

1. External piles
2. Internal piles

1) External piles

This type of piles is seen outside the anal opening and is covered by skin.It is black or brown in colour.This type of piles is very painful due to rich nerve supply in this area.

2) Internal piles

It is inside the anal canal and internal to the anal orifice.It is covered by mucous membrane and is red or purple in colour.These piles are painless.

Some times internal and external piles occure in same individual.

Factors responsible for piles

1. This is a familial disease
2. Piles is seen only in animals maintain an erect posture. This is due to congestion in the rectal veins due to the effect of gravity.
3. It is common in individuals having chronic constipation.Those who have a habit of visiting the toilet due to frequent urge for stool may develop piles in future.
4. Piles is common in those who take excess of chicken, prawns, spicy food ect.Those who take vegetables and fibrous food are rarely affected.
5. Some ladies get piles during pregnancy due to compression of rectal veins by the uterus.
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 which will be worse while straining at stool.

2) Bleeding

Bleeding comes in splashes while pressing for stool.Bleeding may be profuse in some cases.

3) Protruding mass

In external piles the swelling can be felt around the anal orifice.In case of internal piles initially it can not be felt.When the disease progresses the piles protrude during stool and will go inside automatically.When the condition becomes worse the protruded piles will not go back in to the anus.

4) In some cases there will be discharge of mucus with 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 fibrosed with hardening of anal orifice.
3. Thrombosis: Here the blood inside the piles will form clots and can obstruct blood flow.
4. Gangrene: Here the tissues in the piles and nearby skin die due to lack of blood supply.
5. Suppuration: When the piles suppurate it can produce abscess with discharge of pus.

Treatment of piles

Initially it is treated on the basis of symptoms.Constipation should be treated.If there is anaemia iron should be give.Homoeopathic medicines can give good results. If medicinal treatment is not giving any result the following can be tried.

1. The thrombosed external pile is excised under local anaesthesia.
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. Haemorrhoidectomy 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. Keep a regular timing for food.
5. Drink sufficient quantity of water.
6. Keep a regularity in bowel habits.
7. Take treatment for constipation.

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