NOT ONLY IS IT PAINFUL, BUT EMBARRASSING TOO!

PILES CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE; MAN OR WOMAN!

Yes, many of us think that Piles could never happen to us! But they are more common than you think! And yes, they can even happen to women! It's not just a man's disease!

The lining of the anal canal contains three soft, spongy pads of tissue that act as an extra seal to keep the canal closed until you put it to use. The lining of the gut is very slimy so that faeces can pass along easily and the extra seal stops the mucus from leaking out. The pads contain a network of tiny blood vessels. These pads are also important in contributing to one’s ability to distinguish between solid, liquid or gas in this area.

SO, WHAT ARE PILES AND WHY ARE THEY SO PAINFUL?

A Pile is one of the soft pads that has slipped downwards slightly, because the surrounding tissue is not holding it in place properly. When this happens, the small blood vessels within the cushion become filled with blood, so the cushion swells up. When faeces are passed, the Pile may be pushed further down the anal canal to the outside. Doctors classify Piles into four types - Grade 1 to 4, depending on the severity. 

Piles or Hemorrhoids can happen at any age, but are more common in older people and pregnant women. They could also happen as a result of being constipated and straining hard to pass faeces, which is more likely if you do not eat enough fiber, or lift too many heavy weights. Family history also has a role to play - so if your Dad or Mom had it, then be extra careful! Many experts believe that Piles are caused by continuous high pressure in the veins of the body, which occurs because humans stand upright, but the common conception is that it happens because of a sedentary lifestyle.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PILES?

The symptoms of Piles can come and go. But there are five main symptoms:

  • Bleeding from the Anal Canal
  • Itching and Irritation
  • Pain and Discomfort 
  • Tender Lump
  • ‘Skid Marks’ on the Underwear

Sounds scary right? But the fact is that when it does happen, many people defer getting help as much as possible due to the embarrassment attached. That makes the problem worse! Defecating is such a natural process, and the more the treatment is delayed, the more the wear and tear to the area. Mild Piles can get sorted on their own if constipation is taken care of, but more severe Piles, which last longer than a week may need treatment. 

WHAT DOES AYURVEDA SAY ABOUT PILES?

Ayurveda holds Apana Vata responsible for the defecation process. Vitiation of Apana Vata results in formation of Piles in the Anus. The Vitiation can mainly happen in two ways: One – Due to erratic food habits such as untimely food, or excessively spicy food combined with a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to Agnimandya, which results in malformation of stool and resultant constipation. Second – Constant severe physical strain to Anus due to excess sitting, travelling, suppression of urges, labor in pregnant women or due to injury. All these factors contribute to the Piles. So correction of metabolic errors and lifestyle modification is the key to healing Piles.