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Piles

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Piles

What is piles

Piles are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids can develop inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).

Fortunately, effective options are available to treat hemorrhoids. Many people get relief with home treatments and lifestyle changes. 

Types of piles

Piles are divided into two categories- internal piles and external piles. External piles, on the other hand, occur close to the anus below the anal canal. They too can be painful if blood clots inside the lumps.

Causes of piles

The veins around your anus tend to stretch under pressure and may bulge or swell. Hemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to:

  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
  • Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
  • Being obese
  • Being pregnant
  • Having anal intercourse
  • Eating a low-fiber diet
  • Regular heavy lifting

Best foods to control piles

  • Legumes

  • Whole Grains 

  • Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables

  • Root Vegetables

  • Squash

  • Bell pepper 

  • Cucumber and Melon 

  • Pears

  •  Apples

  • Raspberries

  • Banana

Food to avoid in piles

t’s a good idea to limit foods that are low in fiber. These can worsen constipation, which can trigger piles.

  • Dairy products. These include milk, cheese, and other varieties.

  • White flour. This flour has had the bran and germ removed, making it less fibrous. Products made from this type of flour include white breads, pasta, and bagels.

  • Fried foods. These can be hard on your digestive tract and difficult to digest.

  • Salty foods. They may cause bloating and make your hemorrhoids more sensitive.

  • Spicy foods. While not necessarily low in fiber, spicy food may increase pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.

  • Caffeinated beverages. These beverages, especially coffee, may harden your stools and make it more painful to use the restroom.

  • Alcohol. Like caffeinated beverages, alcoholic drinks can dry up your stools and exacerbate the discomfort of piles.

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Home remedies

Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel has been used historically to treat hemorrhoids and various skin conditions. It’s thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which might help reduce irritation. 

 Warm bath with Epsom salt

Warm baths with Epsom salt can help soothe the irritation from hemorrhoids. You can use a sitz bath, which is a small plastic tub that fits over a toilet seat, or take a full-body bath in your tub.

Soothing wipes

Using toilet paper after a bowel movement can aggravate existing hemorrhoids. Wipes can help keep you clean without causing further irritation. For an added boost, you can find wipes with soothing, anti-hemorrhoid ingredients, like witch hazel or aloe vera. Make sure that the wipes you choose don’t have alcohol, perfume, or other irritants in them. These substances could aggravate symptoms instead of relieving them.

Cold compresses

Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the anus to relieve swelling for 15 minutes at a time. For large, painful hemorrhoids, this can be an extremely effective treatment. Always wrap ice inside a cloth or paper towel, and never apply something frozen directly to the skin.

Why you need to consult to a doctor?
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