Piles
Piles are tiny bulging sacs that form in the veins of the rectal area. They are mainly caused by factors that place excessive stress on these veins. Constipation, diarrhea, heavy lifting, pregnancy, child birth, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and certain medical conditions such as heart disease or liver disease, are contributing factors to the development of piles.
The main symptoms of piles include rectal bleeding, pain, itching, and burning. In most cases, piles can be treated at home with a few simple lifestyle changes that reduce the pressure on the veins that supply blood to the anus. There are also several over-the-counter conventional medications that can be used to alleviate piles or haemorrhoids symptoms.
Local Anesthetics
Local anesthetics such as Benzocaine, Lidocaine, and Tetracaine can be used to temporarily relieve the pain associated with hemorrhoids. If external piles or haemorrhoids are present, apply the anesthetic topically to the affected area. If the piles or haemorrhoids have developed inside the anal canal, it may be necessary to use your fingers to place the product internally. Alway be sure to read the product label for specific product instructions.
Vasoconstrictors
Vasoconstrictors such as Epinephrine Base, Epinephrine Hydrochloride, Ephedrine Sulfate, and Phenyleprine Hydrochloride can be used to directly shrink blood vessels and reduce swelling in the affected area. They can also help to relieve the itching and discomfort caused by tightened blood vessels. These preparations should not be used by people with heart disease, hypertension, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate. Check with your health care provider if you have questions about these medications.
Astringents
Astringents are drying agents that can be used to relieve the itching and irritation associated with hemorrhoids. Witch hazel, Calamine, and Zinc Oxide all help to shrink piles by pulling water out of the swollen piles or haemorrhoid tissue.
Protectants
Protectants help to coat the skin. They soothe inflamed tissues, prevent drying, and prevent further irritation. Cocoa butter, Lanolin, Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Vaseline, Topical starch, and Shark liver oil all make excellent protectants.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone creams and suppositories help to reduce the inflammation, swelling and anal itching associated with piles or haemorrhoids.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to these conventional preparations, it is important to make a few simple lifestyle changes that can reduce your chances of developing piles or lessen the irritation to piles that have already developed. Increasing fiber and water consumption will help to soften and bulk up stools, making them easier to pass. Daily exercise also helps to stimulate the digestive muscles and move the body’s waste through the system. Also, avoid straining during bowel movements and when lifting heavy objects.
Try to avoid sitting on hard surfaces. Also, old-fashioned donut-shaped cushions can actually aggravate piles or haemorrhoid blood vessels by increasing the pressure in the anal area. Use an ordinary, soft cushion to relieve discomfort. Avoid fats, animal products, coffee, hot spices, and alcohol, which can be hard on the digestive system.
Caring For Piles
- Take a warm sitz bath: The warmth and moisture associated with a sitz bath can alleviate the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. The key is to submerse the rectal area in hot water, either in a regular bath tub or in a specially purchased “sitz bath” that can be affixed to the toilet. Make the water hotter than your usual bath water and be sure to sit in enough to cover the affected area. Sit in the bath for twenty to thirty minutes, two to three times a day.
- Anal Hygiene: it is very important to keep the rectal area clean, as debris can irritate the sensitive tissues. Wash the anal area with a warm, wet washcloth or baby wipe, always remembering to wipe from front to back. Avoid rough toilet paper or paper that has dyes or perfumes.
- Get off your feet: Lie down on you side several times a day. Try to watch TV, read, and rest with your family in this position to alleviate pressure on the rectal area that can aggravate piles or haemorrhoids.
Medical Procedures
If piles remain persistent and troublesome even after home remedies and prescription medication, it may be necessary to seek the advice of a medical professional. Common methods for the treatment of piles include:
- Rubber band ligation: this is the most commonly used method for the treatment of hemorrhoids. A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off circulation and destroy the piles or haemorrhoids. This method is performed on an outpatient basis in a doctor’s office.
- Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution injected into the base of the pile will shrink the swollen blood vessel. As with rubber band ligation, this technique does not usually involve the lengthy hospital stay required of hemorrhoidectomy.
- Infrared Photo Coagulation: Used to burn off external piles, this technique uses an intense beam of infrared light to cut of circulation to the hemorrhoids.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: External or severe internal piles can be removed by a surgical procedure. This procedure is usually used only in the most extreme cases as it involves a lengthy hospital stay and postoperative recovery.
Herbal treatment recommended for piles is the product Hematrex.