Piles, Hemorrhoids  

Hemorrhoids are caused by the swelling of the veins around the anus.  Pressure factors can result from straining when having a bowel movement, prolonged sitting on toilet, pregnancy, chronic diarrhea or constipation, or obesity.  Because the tissues that support the veins around the anus can weaken with age, hemorrhoids can become more prevalent in old age.  There is also a genetic component to developing hemorrhoids.  It is possible for hemorrhoids to be a result of other diseases, such as cirrhosis of the liver. About one-half of all adults over 50 years of age have developed hemorrhoids. 

Among the symptoms of having hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are:  bleeding of the anus, feces leakage, pain at the anus entry or swelling in that region, itching, or a lump in the area of the anus. Hemorrhoids can lie within the anus, or can be protruding from the anus. Often, a doctor can diagnose hemorrhoids from a physical examination, while, sometimes, doctors will have to use a test to detect blood in the stool or a scope. 

Fortunately, many  times hemorrhoids can be alleviated by the use of over-the-counter medicines, or lifestyle changes.  Corticosteroid creams can reduce pain and minimize swelling and can be bought at most pharmacies.  Creams with lidocaine can be helpful, and application of witch hazel can diminish itching, along with wearing cotton underwear, avoiding scratching, and using a chemical-free, soft toilet paper. Hot baths can be a soothing remedy for pain.   

In acute cases, there are surgical solutions to the annoyance of hemorrhoids.  Heat is used to shrink the swelling of tissues with the use of a treatment called Infrared Coagulation.  The protrusion can be shrunk with a Rubber Band Ligation.  A chemical injection is used to  shrink the hemorrhoid with a Sclerotherapy. As a last resort, large hemorrhoids can be removed surgically. Hemorrhoids can be cauterized using electrocautery, laser, and cryosurgery, the use of extreme cold, to destroy the protruding tissue. 

Hemorrhoids can be avoided by including plenty of fiber in the diet, drinking sufficient water, keeping stools soft, defecating when necessary (not delaying responding to abowel movement urge), eating a high-fiber diet , along with a daily dose of exercise, and not staying on the toilet for long periods of time.  

Hemorrhoid symptoms can be identical to symptoms for some other medical problems (blood in stools, pain or itching of the anus, pain when defecating), so be sure that if symptoms persist a doctor’s diagnosis is obtained.