Hemorrhoids or Piles, symptom, cause, treatment & prevention

Piles Treatment

Definition

Piles (Haemorrhoids) are swollen and inflamed blood vessels (veins) in the rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are enlarged, dilated blood vessels situated inside or outside the rectum. They are like varicose veins in the leg. Straining to help move a bowel may cause veins to break down and their valves to become incompetent.

This disease is related to anus or lower rectum. The term hemorrhoids (also called piles) refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus are abnormally swollen and inflamed. This disease can occur in both men and women but is more common in women during pregnancy, people with sedentary habits and those who have a chair-bound job. Hemorrhoids are usually very painful and troublesome but are not life-threatening. The condition usually worsens with passage of time. Hemorrhoids are not contagious. Hemorrhoids can be classified as:

·        Internal (inside the anus). This type is not visible outside the rectum. In most cases, internal hemorrhoids cause bleeding. Anal fissure, which is like a crack in the anal tissues may also cause bleeding but this is different to hemorrhoids. In worse cases, internal hemorrhoids may protrude out side the body while straining at stool.

·        External (outside and around the anus). This type occurs outside the anus like swollen veins. The size of external hemorrhoids can be from the size of a small grape to a bunch of grapes.

·        Combination of both internal and external hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids may also be categorized as bleeding hemorrhoids and blind (non-bleeding) hemorrhoids.

CLASSIFICATION
1. BY POSITION

External hemorrhoids are those that occur outside the anal verge (the distal end of the anal canal). Specifically they are varicosities of the veins draining the territory of the inferior rectal arteries, which are branches of the pudendal artery. They are sometimes painful, and can be accompanied by swelling and irritation. Itching, although often thought to be a symptom of external hemorrhoids, is more commonly due to skin irritation.

External hemorrhoids are prone to thrombosis: if the vein ruptures and/or a blood clot develops, the hemorrhoid becomes a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
Internal hemorrhoids are those that occur inside the rectum. Specifically they are varicosities of veins draining the territory of branches of the superior rectal arteries. As this area lacks pain receptors, internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful and most people are not aware that they have them. Internal hemorrhoids, however, may bleed when irritated.

Untreated internal hemorrhoids can lead to two severe forms of hemorrhoids:

prolapsed and strangulated hemorrhoids :

Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that are so distended that they are pushed outside the anus.

If the anal sphincter muscle goes into spasm and traps a prolapsed hemorrhoid outside the anal opening, the supply of blood is cut off, and the hemorrhoid becomes a strangulated hemorrhoid.

DEGREE OF PROLAPSE

The most common grading system was developed by Banov :

Grading of Internal Hemorrhoids :

Grade 1		Piles are small swellings on the inside lining of the anus. They cannot be seen or felt from outside the anus.
Grade 2		Piles are partly pushed out (prolapse) from the anus when you go to the toilet, but quickly 'retract back' inside again.
Grade 3		Piles hang out (prolapse) from the anus and are felt as one or more small, soft lumps that hang from the anus. However, they can be pushed back inside the anus with a finger.
Grade 4		Piles permanently hang down from within the anus, and cannot be pushed back inside. They can sometimes become quite large.
Some of the other symptoms generally associated with piles are:
1.	Protrusion of piles outside the anus; this usually occurs after defecation, prolonged standing or unusual physical exertion
2.	Bleeding from the anus: This can occur before, during or after stools. This will be bright red blood, not usually mixed with the stools, but often seen on the toilet paper
3.	Soreness, pain, itching in the anal region
4.	In case of profuse bleeding that is chronic, the patient may be anemic
5.	Sensation of something coming down, or a bulge or lump at the anus
6.	If the piles outside the anus develop a blood clot inside, (thrombosed piles) it leads to a particularly tender, hard lump

Causes:

• Genetic predisposition (weak rectal veins, walls)
• Poor muscle tone in the rectal region
• Constipation
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Chronic cough
• Pregnancy
• Overuse of laxatives or enemas
• Lifting heavy weights habitually

Some important cuses are as under:-

·  Sitting for long periods of time can start the hemorrhoidic process.

·  Increased straining during bowel movements caused by constipation or diarrhoea may lead to hemorrhoids.

·  Hypertension, particularly portal hypertension, can also cause hemorrhoids  because of the connections between the portal vein and the vena cava.

·  Obesity can be a factor by increasing rectal vein pressure. Poor muscle tone or poor posture can result in too much pressure on the rectal veins.

·  Pregnancy may lead to hypertension and increase strain during bowel movements, so hemorrhoids are often associated with pregnancy.

·  Insufficient liquid can cause a hard stool, or even chronic constipation, which can lead to hemorrhoidal radiation.

·  An excess of lactic acid in the stool, a product of excessive consumption of dairy products, such as yogurt, can cause radiation; reducing such consumption can bring relief.

·  Vitamin E deficiency is also a common cause. Eating spicy food does not cause hemorrhoids, though spicy foods may aggravate the condition.

Symptoms of Piles Treatment

The following are some of the symptoms of Piles Treatment:Symptoms vary depending upon the site of piles, duration of complaints and general health of the person.

External piles present as a swelling outside the anus with irritation and itching. These can be painful sometimes and usually do not bleed.

Internal piles are usually not painful but these bleed when they are irritated such as during the passage of hard stools. They can be classified into four grades:

Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, anal melanoma or irritation and itching, also called pruritus ani, have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are usually not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.

Although many people have hemorrhoids, and hemorroidial radiation, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoidial radiation is bright red blood covering the feces (hematochezia), on toilet paper, and/or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious circle of symptoms. Draining anal mucus, produced by the dentate line may also cause itching.

Some of the other symptoms generally associated with piles are :

Protrusion of piles outside the anus; this usually occurs after defecation, prolonged standing or unusual physical exertion.
Soreness, pain, itching in the anal region.
In case of profuse bleeding that is chronic, the patient may be anemic.
Sensation of something coming down, or a bulge or lump at the anus.
If the piles outside the anus develop a blood clot inside, (thrombosed piles) it leads to a particularly tender, hard lump.

·         Swelling and feeling of extra mass around the anus.

·         Itching, burning and pain in and around the anus. However, this symptom does not necessarily indicate the presence of hemorrhoids because it may happen in other rectal troubles like fissures, fistulae, abscesses and proctitis etc.

·         Bleeding from anus during defecation but this symptom may not necessarily indicate presence of piles because the blood may be coming from intestines etc.

·         In some cases, chronic blind piles may become painless over a period of time but do give a feeling of uneasiness.

PREVENTION
Prevention of hemorrhoids includes drinking more fluids, eating more dietary fiber (such as fruits, vegetables and cereals high in fiber), exercising, practicing better posture, and reducing bowel movement strain and time. Wearing tight clothing and underwear may also contribute to irritation and poor muscle tone in the region and promote hemorrhoid development.

Women who notice they have painful stools around the time of menstruation would be well-advised to begin taking extra dietary fiber and fluids a couple days prior to that time.

Fluids emitted by the intestinal tract may contain irritants that may increase the fissures associated with hemorrhoids. Washing the anus with cool water and soap may reduce the swelling and increase blood supply for quicker healing and may remove irritating fluid.

Kegel exercises for the pelvic floor may also prove helpful.
Many people do not get a sufficient supply of dietary fiber (20 to 25 grams daily), and small changes in a person's daily diet can help tremendously in both prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids.

Homeopathic treatment for Piles Treatment

Homeopathic medicines relieve symptoms associated with it such as pain, bleeding, itching, etc. it happens without invasion or surgery of any kind.

Moreover, the condition has high relapse rate following surgical treatment, since surgery does not target the root causes like genetic tendencies, habitual constipation, etc.

Homeopathic medicines work at the root level and can modify these genetic tendencies thus reducing chances of relapse and recurrence of the condition significantly

Homeopathic medicines are very effective in management of piles and the symptoms associated with it such as pain, bleeding, itching, etc. The point to be emphasized is that the relief of symptoms is obtained with absolute gentleness and without invasion or surgery of any kind. Moreover, the condition has high relapse rate following surgical treatment, since surgery does not target the root causes like genetic tendencies, habitual constipation, etc. Homeopathic medicines work at the root level and can modify these genetic tendencies thus reducing chances of relapse and recurrence of the condition significantly.

Grade 1 and 2 of internal piles can be significantly helped with homeopathy.

Grade 3 piles will also get relief of symptoms with homeopathy but may not be completely cured.

Grade 4 piles can get symptomatic relief with medicines.

There are 278 homoeopathy medicines which give great relief in piles or hemorrhoids. However, the correct choice and the resulting relief is a matter of experience and right judgment on the part of the homeopathic doctor. The treatment is decided after thorough case taking of the patient.

Combination therapies are now emerging which combine health care and dietary focus (fiber-rich diets) to completely remove all signs and symptoms. The reduction in blood flow and the removal of flaring foods heals the hemorrhoids in a matter of days. This form of treatment is used mainly for internal hemorrhoids, as external hemorrhoids may be more difficult to eradicate.

Leading Remedies in Homeopathy

Aesculus hippocastanum is indicated in the treatment of venous stasis. The hemorrhoids are purplish in colour, they burn and ache. Most effective in suppository form.

Aloe treats protruding purple hemorrhoids, rectal incontinence. Symptoms include itching andburning of the anus.

Millefolium is an effective remedy in the treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids. A sharp pain in the rectum.

Ratanhia treats hemorrhoids, bleeding diarrhea, and anal fissures.

Collinsonia treats hemorrhoids after childbirth.

Pulsatilla prevents hemorrhoids during childbirth.

Hamamelis cream is applied externally to relieve itching.

Paeonia treats combined hemorrhoids, anal pruritis.

Sorbus domestica

Manganese-cobalt

Calc fluor

Hemorrhoidial vein

Natural Supplements for Hemorrhoids

Psyllium husks help prevent hemorrhoids.

Aloe Vera whole leaf juice helps promote regularity.

Vitamin C treats and prevents hemorrhoids.

Yarrow tea provides relief from bleeding hemorrhoids.

Marshmallow tea helps reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a friendly bacteria located in the bowels.

Butcher's broom provides relief for hemorrhoids.

Eating fiber-rich diets, including water, helps create a softer stool that is easier to pass, to lessen the irritation of existing hemorrhoids.
Using the squatting position for bowel movements.

Dietary supplements can help treat and prevent many complications of hemorrhoids, and natural botanicals such as Butchers Broom, Horse-chestnut, Hem-eez and bioflavonoids can be an effective addition to hemorrhoid treatment.Butcher's Broom extract, or Ruscus aculeatus, contains ruscogenins that have anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor effects that help tighten and strengthen veins. Butcher's Broom has traditionally been used to treat venous problems including hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Horse-chestnut extract, or Aesculus hippocastanum, contains a saponin known as aescin, that has anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and venotonic actions.

Aescin improves tone in vein walls, thereby strengthening the support structure of the vein. Double blind studies have shown that supplementation with horse-chestnut helps relieve the pain and swelling associated with chronic venous insufficiency.

Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Avoid sitting or standing for a long period of time.

Don't ignore the call of nature.

Avoid straining at stool.

Get plenty of soluble fiber.

Add two tablespoons of bran to soups or stews.

Eat a well-balanced, high-fiber diet based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Choose good fats such as monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Do a cold water Sitz bath to tone up the walls.

Drink eight to ten glasses of water, per day.

  

Internal Hemorrhoid - What Are Internal Hemorrhoids?

I Recommend: -:( tinyurl.com ):- . . What Are Internal Hemorrhoids?. . The term \"hemorrhoids\" refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. Several groups of veins surround the rectum and anus -- one group is known as internal hemorrhoidal veins, the others are known as external hemorrhoidal veins. As the name suggests, internal hemorrhoids affect the internal hemorrhoidal veins. . . What Causes Them?. . As mentioned, internal hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure within the internal hemorrhoidal veins. A number of conditions can increase pressure within the internal hemorrhoidal veins. These include: . . Straining to move stool, or other poor bowel habits, such as sitting for long periods . . Pregnancy . . Aging . . Chronic constipation or diarrhea . . Anal intercourse . . Cirrhosis . . Obesity . . A high-fat, low-fiber diet. . . Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids. . The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright-red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. . . Other symptoms may include feelings of: . . Vague anal discomfort . . Fullness after a bowel movement. . . Pain is not a common symptom of internal hemorrhoids. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid. If not treated, a protruding internal hemorrhoid may remain outside the anus. In this case, a person may ...

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Natural Treatment to Preventing Hemorrhoids

One of the best home remedies of piles is the use of hot and cold elements. Heat is one of the best numbing agents available, and you can easily relieve some of the pain cause by piles in your own bath tub. The first thing to do is run a warm but shallow bath, from here, add a little bicarbonate of soda and salt. Get in and soak for as long as you like,
you can even top up the bath with hot water if it starts to get cold. Once you have soaked for long enough, you can dry the affected area and apply some olive oil. Olive oil actually has some great healing and soothing properties, and while it is not on any list of cures for piles, it will give you some relief.

On the cold side of the spectrum, you can use anything from ice to cold water to sooth a bit of your pain. The only point to remember with cold applications is that they will only work as long as you have them applied to the affected area. In a desperate situation, you can always get some ice at a fast food restaurant and apply it in the restrooms, just be sure not to apply it for too long, as ice can cause more damage to the tissue surrounding your piles.

Once the piles have gone away, they will surely come back again if you do not make some changes in your lifestyle. Diet is a key factor in the development of piles so check with your doctor to see what steps you can take to avoid them in the future so that you never need home remedies for piles again.

Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Here are five natural remedies that are used for hemorrhoids.

1) Fiber

Fiber shows a consistent beneficial effect in relieving hemorrhoid symptoms and bleeding. It can soften stool and increase its bulk, which helps to reduce straining. Seven randomized trials with a total of 378 participants have found fiber improved symptoms including itching, discomfort, and pain.

There are plenty of ways to get more fiber. Start by eating foods high in fiber, such as whole grains and vegetables. Psyllium, a powdered fiber supplement, is another option, one that's inexpensive and readily available. A typical amount of psyllium is one teaspoon of the husks in water followed by another glass of water. 

Another option is ground flaxseeds. Whatever the source of fiber, it's important to drink sufficient water or constipation may worsen.

2) Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are a type of plant compound that are thought to work by stabilizing and strengthening blood vessel walls and by decreasing inflammation. They have been found to reduce anal discomfort, pain, and anal discharge during an acute hemorrhoid attack. Side effects of bioflavonoids appear to be mild and rare, making them a promising treatment for hemorrhoids in pregnancy (the flavonoid tangeretin however, shouldn't be used by people taking tamoxifen for breast cancer).

The major flavonoids found in citrus fruits, diosmin, herperidin, and oxerutins, appear to be beneficial. Daflon, a product made with citrus bioflavonoids was found to improve symptoms in pregnant women by day four of taking it and to reduce symptoms of pain, heaviness, bleeding, itching and discharge.

3) Witch Hazel Compress or Cream

This drug store staple is made from the leaves and bark of a plant called Hamamelis virginiana. It is not be taken internally but is instead applied topically to the anal area in the form of witch hazel distilled liquid, ointment, or medicated pads.

Witch hazel is thought to decrease the bleeding of hemorrhoids by acting as an astringent. It may also relieve pain, itching and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.

4) Butcher's Broom

The plant butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus), which is also known as knee holly, box holly, and sweet broom, gets its name because it was once used by butchers in Europe to clean their chopping blocks. Butcher's broom has a long history of traditional use for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It is often used when there is underlying poor circulation in the veins.

How does butcher's broom work? Although scientists haven't confirmed the effectiveness of butcher's broom for hemorroids, butcher's broom extract contains anti-inflammatory and vein-contricting properties that are believed to improve the tone and integrity of veins and shrink the swollen tissue. The active compound is called ruscogen.

Butcher's broom is usually recommended in capsule or tea form. The tea has a slightly bitter taste, so a bit of stevia or honey can be used to sweeten it. The tea can be made by steeping one teaspoon of the herb in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Butchers broom has also been shown to be effective when applied topically as an ointment or compress.

Butcher's broom should not be used by people with high blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), by pregnant or nursing women, or by people taking alpha blocker or MAO inhibitor drugs unless otherwise recommended by their doctor.

5) Horse Chestnut

The herb horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), like Butchers broom, is often recommended when there is poor circulation in the veins, or chronic venous insufficiency. In folk medicine, it is used to relieve symptoms such as swelling and inflammation and strengthen blood vessel walls. The active compound is believed to be aescin.

Horse chestnut can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. It can also be applied externally as a compress. People with an allergy to the horse chestnut family, bleeding disorders, or people taking blood thinners should not take horse chestnut. Only products made from the seeds or bark of the young branches should be used. Other parts of the plant are poisonous. Although uncommon, side effects have included kidney damage, severe bleeding, bruising, and liver damage.

CONFUSIONS with OTHER DISEASES:

Hemorrhoids Are Often Confused With Anal Fissures

When people see spots of blood on the toilet paper and have pain with bowel movements, they often immediately think it's hemorrhoids when the problem may really be a small but painful tear called an anal fissure.

Anal fissures are often caused by constipation. If stools are dry and hard, the anal sphincter is forced open wider than normal, resulting in a tear, or anal fissure. There are often some spots of bright red blood on the toilet paper.

Anal fissures also cause a sharp, stinging, often severe pain with the passage of each bowel movement (whereas hemorrhoids often cause bleeding but no pain).