Living with Piles: Tips for Managing Pain and Discomfort
Before diving into managing discomfort for piles, let’s familiarize ourselves with the two main types of piles:
- Internal Piles: These develop inside the rectum and usually don’t cause pain. However, they might lead to bleeding on toilet paper or bright red streaks in your stool.
- External Piles: These form under the skin around the anus and can be quite uncomfortable. They might feel itchy, painful, or swollen, sometimes protruding outside the anus.
Triggers for Piles:
- Straining during bowel movements: Whether due to constipation or pushing too hard, straining puts pressure on the veins in your anal area, contributing to the formation of piles.
- Chronic constipation: Hard, infrequent stools can cause straining and irritation, increasing the risk of developing piles.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased pressure on the pelvic region during pregnancy can make you more susceptible to piles.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the veins in your lower body, including those around your anus, potentially leading to piles.
- Lifting heavy objects: Regularly lifting heavy weights can also increase pressure in your abdomen and pelvic area, contributing to the development of piles.
This is not an exhaustive list, and consulting a doctor is essential to identify the specific cause of your piles and receive appropriate treatment. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice – it’s the best way to manage your health effectively.
Piles Symptoms:
While not everyone experiences symptoms with piles, it’s important to be aware of the common signs that might indicate their presence. These are for general informational purposes, and should not be used for self-diagnosis. Please seek professional medical advice if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent or severe.
Key symptoms:
- Pain: You might feel aching, soreness, or burning discomfort around your anus, especially when sitting or during bowel movements.
- Itching: The area around your anus might feel itchy or irritated, which can be quite bothersome.
- Bleeding: You might notice bright red blood on toilet paper or see streaks of blood in your stool. While this can be alarming, it’s important to remember that not all instances of rectal bleeding are due to piles.
- Swelling: You might feel or see lumps near your anus, either inside or outside.
- Mucus discharge: You might notice a small amount of mucus on toilet paper after wiping.
Self Care:
Living with piles can be uncomfortable, but incorporating certain lifestyle changes into your routine can offer some relief and even help prevent future flare-ups.
1. Fiber:
- Aim for 25-35 grams of fibre daily by incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like apples, pears, berries, leafy greens, beans, lentils, and whole-wheat bread into your diet.
- Fibre softens stool, making bowel movements easier and reducing straining, a major trigger for piles.
- Increase fibre gradually to avoid bloating or gas.
2. Hydration:
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water in a day.
- Staying hydrated keeps stool soft and prevents constipation, another factor contributing to straining and discomfort.
- Consider water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and spinach for added hydration.
3. Straining:
- Allow your body time to pass stool naturally and avoid forceful straining.
- Use a stool softener as recommended by your doctor if needed.
- Don’t sit on the toilet for extended periods, as this can increase pressure on the anal area.
4. Anal Hygiene:
- After each bowel movement, gently cleanse the anal area with warm water using a soft washcloth or bidet. Avoid harsh soaps, perfumed wipes, or excessive scrubbing, as these can irritate the area.
- Pat dry thoroughly with a soft towel to prevent moisture buildup, which can worsen discomfort.
5. Loose-Fitting Cotton Underwear:
- Tight-fitting clothing, especially synthetic fabrics, can trap moisture and irritate the anal area. Choose loose-fitting, breathable cotton underwear for optimal comfort and airflow.
6. Warm Sitz Baths:
- Soaking in warm (not hot) sitz baths for 10-15 minutes, several times a day can provide temporary relief from pain, itching, and swelling.
- You can use a sitz bath basin placed in a bathtub or purchase a portable one.
- Pat dry thoroughly after each bath.
7. Manage Stress:
Stress can aggravate various health conditions, including piles. Consider incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine to manage stress and potentially reduce discomfort.
These self-care strategies may not work for everyone and are not guaranteed remedies. It’s crucial to consult your doctor before implementing any new practices, especially if you have other medical conditions. They can assess your individual needs and tailor your self-care approach for optimal results.
Why is seeing a doctor important?
- Accurate Diagnosis: Only a doctor can definitively diagnose piles and rule out other potential causes for your symptoms.
- Treatment Plan: Based on your individual needs and the severity of your condition, your doctor can create a personalized treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, medications, minimally invasive procedures, or even surgery.
- Addressing Underlying Issues: Sometimes, piles can be a symptom of an underlying condition like chronic constipation or inflammatory bowel disease. Your doctor can identify and address any underlying issues for more comprehensive care.
- Managing Complications: If left untreated, piles can lead to complications like blood clots or anaemia. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing these issues.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and stool softeners might be recommended for symptom relief. In some cases, prescription medications for inflammation or bleeding might be necessary.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: For persistent or severe cases, your doctor might suggest minimally invasive procedures like rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy to shrink or remove small internal piles.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery might be necessary if other options fail or for large external piles.
Always prioritize consulting your doctor for any health concerns you might have. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent, severe, or accompanied by additional concerns like fever or difficulty passing stool, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional such as Dr. Raviram S. Speak With Dr.: https://g.co/kgs/GmQhfRq