The Lump in your Anus: What you need to know about Piles/Hemorrhoids
By Victor David
Most people will have piles/hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. The figure of those to be affected according to research could reach 75% mostly among adults aged 45 to 65. Surprisingly, only 4% of those affected will seek help preferring to patronize quacks. Piles also known as Jedi-Jedi are usually painful but very treatable and preventable. In this blog post, we will educate you on what you can do to treat pile, prevent it or stop it from progressing if you have one.
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What are piles/hemorrhoids?
Piles are caused by swollen veins in the lower anus and rectum which can also lead to tissue growth in and around the anus. According to their location of occurrence, piles are either classified as internal or external. The internal occurs inside the rectum while the external pile is the one everyone talks about, which protrudes outside of the anus. Piles are progressive health conditions and as a result, are classified into grades; 1, 2, 3, & 4.
Piles are very common amongst people but more in men than women. According to research over half of the population affected are above 50 years. This does not mean the condition is not common with much younger persons but due to the fact that only 50% of those affected manifest symptoms which become more profound as one age. Hence making the older adults more frequent in the clinics than the younger population.
Unfortunately, because the condition is not quickly detected on time to be treated, they become worse as one age. The symptoms are usually painful lumps in and around the anus causing difficulty in stooling and blood in feaces. Other complications due to the condition can be fecal incontinence, excessive bleeding in the anus, which can cause anemia, infection, anal fistula, and strangulated hemorrhoid.
Causes and risk factors
Pile/hemorrhoids occur when there is increased pressure on the lower rectum causing the veins to bulge or expand. Poor diet and lifestyle factors such as chronic constipation, prolonged diarrhea, lifting of weights, and straining when passing stools can increase pressure on the lower rectum which may result to pile. Pregnancy, being above 50, being overweight, and low fiber diet are also important risk factors.
Treatment
For the most part, piles resolve on their own without treatment, especially for grades 1 and 2 but the serious condition might need surgical intervention such as banding, sclerotherapy, infrared coagulation, and hemorrhoidectomy.
Prevention
The aim of this article would not be achieved if we do not cover the methods of prevention. After all, we know that it is better to prevent than to cure. In fact, most people that have complications subsequently would have prevented them earlier in life when the condition was not yet malignant. Good dietary practices such as eating fiber-rich foods, and drinking a lot of water can help soften stool making passing it easier. Also, adults must watch their weight by cutting down on high-calorie consumption beyond daily expenditure to keep and maintain a healthy weight. Finally exercising is very important to keep this condition far away from you as it helps for the optimum functioning of the digestive system.
Conclusion
Many people have hemorrhoids a lot earlier in life but are unaware of the condition. Furthermore, since pile tends to resolve in the early stages without treatment, people usually ignore it and continue to practice a poor diet and lifestyle which makes them manifest with serious health complications later on. Fortunately, piles are very treatable and preventable. If you are among those suffering from this condition, you do not have to live in fear because there is a lot you can do to manage it and cure it naturally.
VICTOR DAVID
Victor David is a content writer with a bachelor’s degree in public health. He loves health communication and believes in passing accurate, healthful information across to help people protect their health.
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