How to manage/treat piles?
Treatments for hemorrhoids vary in their cost, risk, and effectiveness. Different cultures and individuals approach treatment differently. Some of the treatments used are listed here
- A common outdoor treatment is sclerotherapy, wherein a chemical solution is injected around the dilated blood vessel to shrink the pile mass. This treatment is unsuited for prolapsed and larger piles.
- Cryotherapy is another outdoor form of treatment where freezing is done to shrink the pile mass. The disadvantages are discomfort, swelling, discharge, and pus.
- Rubber bandaging of large pile mass is also done. But, this can result in ulcers (non-healing wounds), and constriction around the periphery of the pile mass.
- Routine surgical removal of piles is also done. But, this is associated with a great deal of post-operative pain and requires hospitalization for 7-10 days.
- Sitting in a shallow bath of warm water for 15 minutes reduces the pain. Ice packs are also used to reduce the swelling.
- Relatively minor piles can be treated by applying cream or ointment to the affected area, which relieves pain and swelling, controls bleeding, helps to shrink the pile mass and thus hastens the healing process.
How to help yourself prevent piles?
- Prevention of piles (hemorrhoids) includes drinking more fluids, exercising, practicing better posture, and reducing bowel movement strain and time. Piles sufferers should avoid using laxatives and should strictly limit time straining during bowel movement.
- Wearing tight clothing and underwear will also contribute to irritation and poor muscle tone in the region and promote piles development. Some sufferers report a more comfortable experience without underwear or wearing only very lightweight underwear.
- Women who notice they have painful stools around the time of menstruation would be well-advised to begin taking extra dietary fiber and fluids a couple days prior to that time.
- Fluids emitted by the intestinal tract may contain irritants that may increase the fissures associated with Piles (hemorrhoids). Washing the anus with cool water and soap may reduce the swelling and increase blood supply for quicker healing and may remove irritating fluid.
- Kegel exercises for the pelvic floor may also prove helpful.
- Many people do not get a sufficient supply of dietary fiber (20 to 25 grams daily) and small changes in a person's daily diet can help tremendously in both prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids.
- Piles can be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Small changes in a person's daily diet can help tremendously in both prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids. Have high-fiber foods like green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grain cereals (eg. wheat, barley, oats, corn, rice etc). Avoid spicy food, alcohol, coffee and tea, which irritate and aggravate piles.
- Establish regular bowel habits and avoid constipation.
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing positions as it puts pressure on the anorectal region.