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. This
type of piles is very painful due to the 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 a mucous membrane and
is red or purple. These piles are painless.
Some times internal and
external piles occur in the same individual.
Factors responsible for
piles:--
1) This is a familial
disease.
2) Piles are 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 the future.
4) Piles are common in
those who take excess of chicken, prawns, spicy food etc.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 the 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 into the anus.
4) In some cases, there
will be a 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 fibrose 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
based on symptoms. Constipation should be treated. If there is anemia iron
should be given. Homeopathic 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 anesthesia.
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, etc.
4) Keep a regular timing
for food.
6) Drink a sufficient
quantity of water.
7) Keep a regularity in
bowel habits.
8) Take treatment for
constipation.