Haemorrhoid or Piles

Haemorrhoid or Piles

Piles, piles, piles,…. This is one of the most common anal problems, you hear people talk of if, from radio programs to TV talks, still some haven’t had the opportunity to learn from them, so here it is… Some of the basic info you need to know on haemorrhoids AKA piles.

This is a protrusion of the anal cushion (made up of the anal mucosa, dilated, elongated and tortuous rectal veins). They have been noted as a common human affliction for ages, and common in developing countries. Before going any further, you need to know what a PROLAPSE is: downward displacement of an organ or tissue from its normal position usually due to weakening of the supporting tissues.

Classification
There are various modes of classification based on degree
1st degree haemorrhoid: the haemorrhoid doesn’t protrude or prolapse, but may do so with straining during defecation and retract spontaneously after defecation. Just bleeding from the rectum is noticed.
2nd degree haemorrhoid:(Early) there is protrusion of the haemorrhoid during defecation, without straining, and this retracts spontaneously afterwards
Late there is protrusion of haemorrhoid, which doesn’t spontaneously retract but can be manipulatively pushed back in with the fingers.
3rd degree haemorrhoid: Permanent protrusion/prolapse of the haemorrhoids and doesn’t retract.

Causes
Primary haemorrhoids occur due to the following:
Familial (if it runs in the family)
prolonged standing possibly
due to the effect of gravity as seen
In doctors, policemen, wardens etc.

•secondary haemorrhoids- they occur due to an identifiable cause. E.g.
pregnancy, due to pressure from the
Uterus and hormonal changes
cancer of the rectum
portal hypertension

Signs and symptoms

Most people with anal conditions complain of pile even if the symptoms they have is not that of pile
– they can be of various degrees, as listed above
– bleeding from the rectum, splashing of bright red blood (into the bowl of the water cistern-WC) unmixed with stool, varying from mere streaks on the stool or – – tissue to large amounts
– bleeding is painless except if complications have set in
– a protrusion is seen
– mucus discharges
– anal discomfort or irritation

Treatment

Conditions which lead to straining, like constipation should be prevented by

•high fibre diet like fruits and vegetables
•stool softeners like liquid paraffin
•at least 3L of fluid a day
•anal suppository- drugs inserted into the anus – anusol
•drugs like daflon are also helpful

For 2nd degree late and 3rd degree
•surgery is indicated.

So there you have it, are you one of those who feel going to defecate frequently is a sin (yes o, there are people like this). Or are you at risk from your job because you stand for long hours, or do you feel it’s not important to take in enough water as you don’t want to ease yourself in public?

You are now better enlightened, stool more, sit as often as possible, take in a lot of fluids, and when you notice bright red blood in your WC after the act. Don’t freak out… Go see your Doctor.