Piles: Myths and Facts

• 24/10/2021
• 0

Piles: Myths and Facts – Misconceptions and Myths play an adverse role in creating a tense atmosphere and hugely disrupt the way of living. Their prevalence is widely seen in problems like piles. Some people think that sitting on a cold surface can cause piles whereas some think that if they are physically fit, then they cannot have this problem.

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as Piles is a distressing and discomfiting experience. It affects several people worldwide causing misery and despair due to the stretching of the tissues of the rectum and anal canal. 

11% of the Indian population is suffering from piles and still, there are a huge number of people who do not want to talk about it. Myths have had a great hand behind this, as people think it is an embarrassing problem. In a recent survey, it has been noticed that there are ample misconceptions that are misleading many individuals. 

This blog on Piles: Myths and Facts can give complete clarity to your thoughts about this chronic disease.  

At Ahuja Clinic, you will get reliable and expert advice about Piles or any related problem from Dr. Alok Ahuja, the Top Surgeon in Chandigarh. A well-known and highly equipped Clinic consists of experienced staff that can give you a comprehensive guide about the symptoms, precautions, and the best treatment to deal with Piles. 

Focusing on the concern, Ahuja Clinic has used its expertise to provide deep knowledge about Piles: Myths and Facts. Therefore, scroll down and have a clear understanding about the topic.

What are Piles and their Types

Piles refer to the lumps of swollen, and inflamed veins in the lower region around the rectum and anus. This condition causes rectal bleeding and pain at the time putting strain on bowel movements and causing symptoms like itching, discomfort, bleeding while passing stool, etc. 

Piles can occur inside or outside of the rectum. The following are the two primary types where inflamed veins may develop. Types include:

• Internal Piles: As the name suggests internal hemorrhoids or piles, lie inside the rectum (the end portion of the large intestine). Internal piles are usually not painful but can cause discomfort or irritation while passing the stool; resulting in painless bleeding at the time of passing stool.
• External Piles: External piles are the swollen veins that form under the skin around the anus or lower rectum. It is a quite painful condition that occurs due to straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for a longer period, constipation, diarrhoea, lifting heavy objects with the wrong method, etc.
• Prolapsed Piles: It is a combined condition where the hemorrhoids get stretched and bulged out of the anus causing both pain and bleeding.

Myths and Facts About Piles

Pregnant women, and people suffering from diarrhoea, and constipation are at higher risk of getting piles. The growth of the fetus puts pressure on the anus and the rectum thereby leading to disturbance in the process.  

Either way, individuals suffering from constipation and diarrhoea may also face pressure on the anus and the rectum leading to the inflammation of veins. If not treated, a person may witness the early symptoms of Piles. 

Surgery is usually necessary or recommended for patients having severe symptoms that are not responding to medicinal treatment. Dr. Alok Ahuja, a reputed General Surgeon in Tricity offers the best services in treating the severe effects of Piles.  

Here are some common myths about piles (hemorrhoids) and the facts to clarify them:

• Myth: Only older people get Piles

Fact: This is a false opinion, as piles can affect people of all ages. While piles are common in older people, they can occur at any age.

• Myth: Surgery is the Only Treatment Option for Piles

Fact: Although surgery is the most effective treatment option for hemorrhoids, non-surgical techniques have substantially improved.

• Myth: Piles will go away on their own

Fact: It is stated by many healthcare professionals that piles often resolve on their own after some days or may require medical treatment depending on the type and severity one is having.

• Myth: Spicy food causes Piles

Fact: It is not true that spicy food is responsible for piles. However, after developing piles spicy food may irritate the bowel movements and digestive system or make the symptoms worse.

• Myth: Piles are usually painful

Fact: Piles are not always usually painful but can be uncomfortable and irritating. However, Pain determination of piles depends on the type or severity one is going through. 

Understanding the facts behind these common myths can help alleviate unnecessary fears and encourage people to get proper treatment for piles.

What Causes Piles?

Hemorrhoids can affect people of all ages and sexes (male and female). For the occurrence of piles reasons could be:

• Pregnancy: Pregnancy and vaginal delivery predispose women to develop hemorrhoids because of hormonal changes and increased intra-abdominal pressure. It has been estimated that 25 to 35 per cent of pregnant women are suffering from this condition.
• Low-fibre diet: Eating more high-fibre, low-fat, whole foods can often reduce or prevent the symptoms of hemorrhoids. That is because fibre seems to: increase stool weight, reduce the faeces time, and increase water retention in the colon, resulting in softer stools that can pass more easily.
• Regular weight lifting: Weight lifting itself isn’t the cause of hemorrhoids. But can occur due to poor or improper technique of weight lifting. 
• Spending a lot of time sitting on the toilet: Prolonged stay on the commode seat can increase the risk of hemorrhoid or pile development. The shape of the toilet seat causes extra pressure on the rectum and anus resulting in swelling of the veins.
• Faecal incontinence and diarrhoea: The swollen veins are unable to hold or control the faeces, letting stool leak out, and leading to the worsening of faecal incontinence.

Home Treatment Remedies For Piles

While piles can be painful or irritable following the below-mentioned home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms, provide significant relief, and promote healing.

• Hemorrhoids can be resolved by themselves if they are caused due to constipation. Adapting a dietary change to introduce more fibre will help you get rid of piles.
• Applying prescribed over-the-counter or prescription creams, ointments, or suppositories can help alleviate the symptoms.
• To soothe the feeling of irritation, or discomfort take warm sitz baths. Soaking the affected area in warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day will help in reducing swelling, or pain associated with piles.
• Taking plenty of fluids or a high-fibrous diet makes the stool softer and easier to pass. Keeping yourself hydrated will speed up the process of healing from piles. (Limit alcohol intake, and caffeine as it dehydrates the body).
• Applying ice packs wrapped in a cloth to the affected area can aid in reducing swelling, and numb the pain. Do apply it to the anus at short intervals as it relieves the pain of piles.
• Applying lubricants such as coconut oil, ghee, and aloe vera having anti-inflammatory properties will reduce discomfort, and irritation and help in smoother bowel movements. 

Visit Ahuja Clinic Today!

Dr. Alok Ahuja Healthcare Center is ever-ready to assist you from painful medical sufferings like piles or in medical terms” Hemorrhoids”. We had a team of experienced and dedicated specialists or surgeons to treat piles. We are one of the best Piles Hospitals in Chandigarh firmed to offer our patients proper medical care and attention. 

To get to know more about us, we are just a call away. 

Phone Number – +91-6284862829

Address – #109 sector 18 A, Chandigarh PIN 160018 (near Rotary Club)

Email Id – alokahujaruchirai@gmail.com