Other names :
Haemorrhoids.

Introduction :
Dilated vein(s) around the anus that may be painful and bleed.

Types :
Internal and external forms, depending on which vein becomes damaged and dilated.

Cause :
Piles (or haemorrhoids as they are more correctly known) can occur very suddenly, or build up over many years. Around the anus is a circular vein, close to the skin surface. The anal canal is about two centimetres long, and at the inner end of the canal, another vein circles around it, close to the surface. When a motion is passed, the anal canal dilates to let it pass. If this dilation is excessive, due to constipation, these fine veins can be stretched, then rupture and form piles. If the outer vein ring is damaged, an external pile results; if the inner vein ring is damaged, an internal pile is formed.

Incidence :
Very common, and more likely to occur in men and with advancing age.

Prevention :
The best treatment for this distressing problem is prevention. Two things cause piles - hard large motions, and straining with heavy lifting. Piles are a common complaint amongst Olympic weight lifters. Keeping the bowels regular and soft is the most important preventative measure. This involves diet (see below) and habit. The habit of opening the bowels at a regular time each day, and not suppressing the urge to pass a motion, will ensure that no extra stress is put on those fine veins around the anus. Once piles are present, it is even more vital to prevent further stresses to the sensitive area.

Investigations :
If there is any concern that bleeding from the anus is caused by a problem other than piles, a colonoscopy (examination of the bowel through a thin flexible tube) must be performed to check for any bleeding sites higher in the bowel.

Course :
Haemorrhoids can vary dramatically in their appearance and effect. They may appear as an intermittent, painless swelling beside the anus, or they can be excruciatingly tender and painful, more than one centimetre across, and bleed profusely.

Get Rid of Piles

Treatment :
Treatment follows several steps. Initially, the soothing creams available over the counter from chemists can be used, but if relief is not rapidly obtained, assistance should be sought from your general practitioner. After examining the area to determine exactly what damage has occurred, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment. This usually takes the form of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic creams that can be used directly on the haemorrhoids, and soothing suppositories. These are bomb shaped tablets that are inserted through the anus into the rectum, where they dissolve to help internal piles. If there is a clot of blood in the dilated haemorrhoid, it may be cut open to allow the congealed blood to escape. Although momentarily painful, this is usually followed by significant relief. If the piles fail to settle on simple treatments, further intervention is necessary. This can vary from simply clipping a rubber band around the base of the pile, to a full scale operation to cut away part of the anal canal. Piles may also be injected or electrically coagulated. The operation can be rather uncomfortable and painful for some days afterwards, and so conservative measures are used whenever possible. If an operation is necessary, it is normally successful in permanently removing the problem.

Diet :
The diet should be high in fibre (bulk), and low in refined foods such as sweets, cakes, white bread and sugar. High fibre foods include unrefined cereals, wholemeal breads, green vegetables, fruit and unpolished rice.

Complications :
Once a pile is develops, a weak area will always be present, and even though one attack may settle, the same pile may flare up time after time.

Outcome :
Although rarely serious, piles can be a distressing condition, and should be treated sooner rather than later. If the appropriate creams and suppositories are used soon enough, it may be possible to avoid surgery for many years.

Related conditions :
Constipation.

Now you know how to get rid of..