Have you ever had a situation where you get a shooting sensation in your back, then it slowly creeps down to your legs and there’s this feeling of fullness in the rectum? All of this happens suddenly, and you don’t really know what’s going on until you start doing your research and realize you could be suffering from piles.
It’s a common, but often overlooked, medical condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. The good news is, it’s treatable. However, it is important to not ignore symptoms and get the right medical attention when needed. This article will provide advice on how to recognize the signs of piles, as well as provide actionable tips on treatment and prevention.
So if you’ve been ignoring the possibility that you have piles, now is the time to stop and read on.
What Are Piles & Common Causes
When it comes to intestinal health, piles—also known as hemorrhoids—are all too common, yet often ignored. So, let’s get down to the basics and answer some crucial questions: what are piles, and what causes them?
The most common causes of piles are straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, obesity or being overweight, chronic diarrhea or constipation, and pregnancy. In some cases, genetics can play a role as well. It’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for piles—some may require medical intervention while others may be treatable at home with lifestyle changes like increasing fiber intake or exercising more regularly.
Piles are swollen veins in the anal area and rectum. Internal ones form inside the rectum, and external ones form just outside near the anus. Both can cause discomfort and can sometimes be very painful.
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Symptoms of Piles and When to See a Doctor
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus. They can cause a variety of symptoms, such as itching, pain, and discomfort. In some cases, they may even result in bleeding.
While mild cases of piles can be relieved with over-the-counter creams and ointments, more serious cases may require medical attention. It’s important to understand the different symptoms so you can recognize when it’s time to seek help from your doctor. Symptoms that may warrant a visit to your doctor include:
- Bleeding when passing stool
- The feeling that your bowel is not completely empty after going to the toilet
- Itching or irritation around the anus
- Pain or discomfort in the anal area
- Swelling around your anus
- Lumps around or near the anus
If you experience any of these symptoms for longer than a few days, it’s important to seek medical attention from your doctor. They can provide you with treatment options that may help alleviate the discomfort and keep piles from getting worse.
Ways to Alleviate the Symptoms
It’s true that many piles sufferers tend to ignore the issue due to embarrassment or lack of awareness. It is important to be aware that there are ways to alleviate the symptoms, no matter how uncomfortable or embarrassing they may be.
For some, a change in lifestyle can help reduce the symptoms and chances of recurring piles. And for others, medical treatment is necessary. Here are a few suggestions on what you can do to start feeling better.
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Increase Fiber Intake
Making sure you drink plenty of water helps soften stools and keeps things moving through your system more easily. Try carrying a reusable water bottle around with you so that you are always prepared!
Drink More Water
Making sure you drink plenty of water helps soften stools and keeps things moving through your system more easily. Try carrying a reusable water bottle around with you so that you are always prepared!
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise not only improves overall health but also counteracts any straining associated with frequent constipation or hard bowel movements, both of which can cause piles or make them worse if they already exist. Start slow and try to fit in some physical activity every day; something as simple as putting on your favorite songs and dancing around your room can make all the difference!
Dietary Changes
The first line of defense against piles is dietary change. Increase your fiber intake by adding high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to your diet. This will help reduce pressure on the hemorrhoids and prevent constipation. Also, drink plenty of water to ensure that your stool is sufficiently moist and easy to pass without too much pushing or straining.
Lifestyle Changes
A sedentary lifestyle can worsen the symptoms of piles, so it’s important that you be as active as possible. Take regular walks at least three times a week and engage in light exercises like swimming or cycling to increase circulation to the area, making it less prone to developing piles.
The good news is that there are some easy changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle that may help combat piles. You don’t need to completely revamp your lifestyle—just a few small tweaks can make a big difference.
- Eat more fiber: Fiber which occurs naturally in foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds—is essential for keeping stools soft and making them easier to pass. Aim for at least 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber daily from sources like whole wheat breads, bran cereals, and oatmeal.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep stools soft and regular; aim for eight 8-ounce glasses a day. But don’t forget about other fluids—like juice or herbal teas—which count too!
- Exercise regularly: Exercise regularly not only helps keep you fit, but also helps ease digestion, reduce constipation, and relieve pressure on the veins in your rectum. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, such as walking or yoga.
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You should also try to avoid long periods of standing or sitting. If you have an office job, get up and move around every hour or so, if possible. And finally, don’t ignore the urge to go; when you feel the urge to defecate, move as quickly as possible—resist the temptation to delay it!
Understanding When Surgery Is Necessary
When you’re dealing with piles, it’s important to understand when surgery is necessary. Surgery might be recommended if your piles are so severe that they cannot be effectively managed by non-surgical treatments such as diet and lifestyle changes.
Here are a few key things to keep in mind when considering whether or not to have surgery for piles.
Symptoms
If your symptoms are getting worse over time and you find that home treatments aren’t helping, it may be time to contact a doctor about a surgical option. You should also see a doctor if you experience profound discomfort, rectal bleeding, or a swollen mass protruding from the anus.
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How Ayurveda Cure Piles
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian form of medicine that has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including piles. Piles, or hemorrhoids, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectal area. According to Ayurveda, the root cause of piles is an imbalance of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. To treat piles, Ayurveda recommends a holistic approach that includes lifestyle modifications, diet changes, and the use of natural herbs and supplements.
Lifestyle modifications recommended by Ayurveda include avoiding straining during bowel movements, eating more fiber-rich foods, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly.
Ayurvedic diet changes include avoiding foods that can cause constipation and eating more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. Spices, such as ginger, garlic, and cumin, are also recommended to help reduce inflammation.
When it comes to natural herbs and supplements, Ayurveda recommends herbs such as Ashwagandha, Ghee, and Triphala. Supplements such as curcumin and Aloe Vera are also recommended to reduce inflammation.
