It is a subject no one likes to talk about and no one wants to experience, hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are a very painful issue. Hemorrhoids occur when the blood veins that line the lowest part of the rectum or anus become swollen or inflamed. Hemorrhoids are often caused by extreme rectal pressure. When a woman is giving birth, she may experience swollen and painful hemorrhoids from pushing. The same situation happens when a person, male or female, strain while having a bowel movement.
Is There a Difference Between Piles and Hemorrhoids?
It is not uncommon to hear of a similar rectal issue referred to as “piles.” Actually there is no difference in hemorrhoids and piles. They are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or anus. They are very painful and cause itching, bleeding and painful bowel movements. So, what is the difference? The truth is there is no difference. People in the United States often use the term hemorrhoids and people in the United Kingdom often us the term piles. Some people think that unaffected anal cushions are called hemorrhoids and swollen anal cushions are called piles.
Understanding Anal Cushions
The anal canal has three cushions. These cushions expand during pressure to keep the rectum closed. These cushions sometimes come down and to the outside of the rectal opening when someone is experiencing very hard straining. As mentioned before, it sometimes happens during childbirth, bowel movements, or it can happen when someone is doing very heavy lifting. A person who is obese or a person who does not consume enough fiber is at higher risk for this painful condition. People who have chronic coughing and pregnant women are also at higher risk.
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal piles/hemorrhoids are normally painless. However, bleeding from the inflamed veins happens during bowel movements. Itching is also a symptom for some people. The blood is not mixed with stools. You will notice the blood on top of stools, in the toilet or on the toilet tissue. The blood is not altered. It is bright red, not black (which is a sign of old blood and internal bleeding).
External Hemorrhoids
External piles/hemorrhoids are extremely painful. The pain lasts several days. When the swelling goes down, the piles/hemorrhoids go away but usually leave an anal skin tag.
Treatments
There is no cure for piles/hemorrhoids, but there are treatments. There are over the counter creams that will reduce pain and swelling. Also cleaning the rectum with Witch Hazel has been known to reduce the risk of getting them, or reduce the severity of them if one is prone to them. In extreme cases, surgery is required. There has been much success with laser surgery. There is also a procedure where the piles are stapled to cut off blood circulation. Perhaps the most common piles/hemorrhoids procedure involves placing a tight rubber band around the extruding cushion. This cuts off the blood flow, the cushion dies and eventually falls off.
Prevention
Prevention is not easy and does not always work. But it is better than the alternative. Eat a high fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and do not sit on cold, hard surfaces such as concrete. Again, cleaning the rectum daily with witch hazel is an old remedy that has some merit.