Last Updated: 13th August, 2022
Hemorrhoids: Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, is a condition that causes inflammation of tissue in and around the anal canal. These are primarily swollen veins in the anus (or rectum) or outside the anus. Although anyone can get hemorrhoids, it becomes more common as people age. It is estimated that 50% of people suffer from piles by the time they are 50.
This condition generally develops by women during pregnancy or labor. Dr. Parameshwar CM, SIICP Chief (Bengaluru Smiles) goes on to explain how hemorrhoids can be managed and prevented.
Are You At Risk Of Piles?
The primary cause of piles is constipation, which becomes more common as people age. This is because with age it becomes more difficult to expel stool. This leads people to struggle to expel the stool, which in turn places pressure on the veins in the rectal region causing it to stretch.
Other aspects that may boost your risk of hemorrhoids are a family history of piles, liver disease sufferers, and obesity.
What Are The Piles Or Hemorrhoids Symptoms?
Hemorrhoids could be both internal and external. Usually, internal hemorrhoids are pain free. Nevertheless, if due to the development of blood clots, it protrudes outside the anus, it may be painful but is generally harmless. Some of the common symptoms of hemorrhoids are:
- Anal pain.
- Anal itching.
- A purplish lump around the anus.
- A reddish mass of tissue around the rectum.
- Bright red blood in the stool, toilet bowl, undergarments, or on toilet tissue.
- Mucus on undergarments.
How Can Piles Be Prevented And Managed In People Aged 50 Or Older?
The easiest way to prevent piles is to eat healthily and exercise regularly. If you have hemorrhoids already, making a few modifications in lifestyle could really help you handle hemorrhoids and live a healthy life.
Certain medications can cause constipation, which is one of the leading causes of hemorrhoids among those over 50. Hence, if you are suffering from hemorrhoids and are taking medications such as diuretics, iron supplements, antacids, antihypertensives, etc. then do inform your doctor about the same. He may alter the drug and prescribe a drug that does not cause constipation and assist you handles piles.
Constipation can often be alleviated by eating a diet rich in the fiber such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Therefore, when complemented with adequate drinking water, a fiber-rich diet can assist, soften the stool and bring mass to it, making it easy to push through into the intestine as well as to prevent piles.
Always try to remain hydrated. Drinking up to or more than six glasses of water every day may also help alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids or prevent its onset altogether. Consuming alcohol or coffee significantly does not correspond to drink ordinary water for both alcohol, and coffee dehydrates the body.
Do not eat refined and processed foods as it may exacerbate the symptoms of piles or lead to constipation which could lead to hemorrhoids. It is therefore necessary to avoid foods such as chips, cakes and candies, especially among all those close to or above 50 years of age.
Exercise regularly as it can also help to prevent piles and alleviate its symptoms. People over 50 with no disabilities should participate in normal physical exercise not only to avoid or relieve hemorrhoids, but also to stay fit.
It is also never a great idea to sit for a long period of time on a toilet seat because this can put a great deal of pressure on the veins around within the anus or rectum. In addition, after a bowel movement, softly cleaning the anus stops the region from becoming sore and thus avoids piles.
Hemorrhoids can be effortless and naturally treated at home in several occasions. Nevertheless, to evaluate your condition and suggest the required treatment, it is always suggested to visit an experienced coloproctologist.
