Piles
Piles or hemorrhoids
are among
the most common ailments today, especially in the Western world. They
are
a varicose and often inflamed condition of the veins inside or just
outside
the rectum. In external piles there is a lot of pain, but not much
bleeding.
In case of internal piles there is discharge of dark blood. In some
cases
the veins burst and this results in what is known as bleeding piles.
Symptoms
Pain at passing
stools,
slight bleeding in the case of internal trouble and a feeling of
soreness
and irritation after passing a stool are the usual symptoms of piles.
The
patient cannot sit comfortably due to itching, discomfort and pain in
the
rectal region.
Causes
The primary cause of
piles
is chronic constipation and other bowel disorders. The pressure applied
to pass a stool to evacuate constipated bowls and the congestion caused
by constipation ultimately lead to piles. The use of purgatives to
relieve
constipation, by their irritating and weakening effect on the lining of
the rectum, also result in enlargement and inflammation of veins and
bleeding
of the mucus lining. Piles are more common during pregnancy and in
conditions
affecting the liver and upper bowel. Prolonged periods of standing or
sitting,
strenuous work, obesity and general weakness of the tissues of the body
are the other contributory causes of piles.
Mental tension is
also one
of the main causes of hemorrhoids. Persons who are always in a hurry
often
strain while passing stools. They rush through defecation instead of
making
it a relaxed affair. The pressure thus exerted by the anal muscles
affect
the surrounding tissues. The extra rectal pressure and the resultant
congestion
of veins ultimately lead to hemorrhoids. There is probably a hereditary
factor also involved in the development of piles.
Treatment
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