Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are enlarged or swollen veins surrounding the (inside and outside) anus or in the lower rectum. The rectum, which is the bowel’s last part, connects to the anus, an opening through which feces exits the body. Everyone (both men and women) has this hemorrhoidal tissue in the rectal area, which is a combination of blood vessels, tissues, and some muscles.
These vessels may become swollen or enlarged due to various conditions, resulting in piles. According to experts, the precise cause of hemorrhoids is not fully understood. Hemorrhoids are painful and uncomfortable, and they often get better on their own.
Hemorrhoids are likely to return in about 5% of people who have them. Hemorrhoids might come and go for various reasons—sometimes due to a sedentary lifestyle, and sometimes due to a medical problem.
Causes of recurring hemorrhoids
Here are some reasons that may put you at risk of recurrent hemorrhoids:
Pregnancy: Around 35% of pregnant women might experience hemorrhoids. This is because the tissues in the rectum become weak causing the veins to relax and swell during pregnancy.
Ageing: Anyone can develop hemorrhoids, but they are more commonly observed in adults over the age of 50.
Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea can also lead to this condition.
Chronic constipation: Constipation puts extra pressure on the walls of blood vessels to move stool, which may result in hemorrhoids.
Sitting for too long: Spending a long time sitting can also cause hemorrhoids.
Diet: Missing fibrous foods in your regular diet might also lead to hemorrhoids.
Heavy lifting: If your work involves lifting heavy objects more often, this can also result in hemorrhoids.
Weight: Being overweight increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids which might be due to the increased pressure within the abdomen.
Some people develop hemorrhoids if any of their family members have this condition. Anal intercourse is another cause that may develop new hemorrhoids or make the existing ones worse.
Treatment for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be treated in many different ways, from home remedies to surgical treatment. However, the type of treatment depends on several factors like overall health, type, severity, etc. However, even after the treatment, these hemorrhoids keep coming back in some people.
Home remedies
Pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids can be reduced by:
- Applying haemorrhoid cream
- Taking pain relievers
- Soaking in sitz bath (warm water) several times a day
- Applying ice pack to the affected area to get relief from pain and inflammation
- Applying witch hazel to reduce itching and pain
- Using wet wipes causes less irritation
- The anti-inflammatory properties of pure aloe vera can reduce inflammation if applied to the affected area
- Use stool softeners or fiber supplements to pass stool smoothly, which also reduces irritation
- Avoid wearing tight clothes; instead, wear loose cotton clothes, which can reduce irritation and keep the affected area dry
A thrombectomy is the most common treatment suggested to treat hemorrhoids. It is a small procedure in which surgeons drain the blood in the hemorrhoid by making a small cut.
This is an effective procedure if carried out in the early stages of hemorrhoid development. If non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be required. Here are the most common surgical options available:
- Hemorrhoidectomy
- Rubber band ligation
- Stapled hemorrhoidopexy
Prevention of recurring hemorrhoids
Although preventing hemorrhoids may not always be possible, if you follow certain tips, the risk of developing them can be drastically reduced:
Eating high-fiber foods like broccoli, bran flakes, whole-wheat pasta, and oatmeal helps in keeping bowel movements smooth and regular.
Be more active; don’t sit for longer periods of time. Get up and walk around frequently, which helps prevent hemorrhoids.
If you are constipated, it’s not good to push and strain too hard. Take stool softeners.
Keep yourself hydrated; drink plenty of water and other fluids to reduce constipation.
If you are suffering from hemorrhoids and want more detailed information about treatment and prevention, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, the best piles doctor in Hyderabad. He has nearly two decades of experience as a hemorrhoids surgeon in Hyderabad. He can provide exceptional treatment even for the severe cases of hemorrhoids. To consult the doctor, call +91 91777-77715 and book your appointment slot.
