Ask the Doctor

What causes pile

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A part of my anus has been coming out for some time now. My friends say it could be pile. Kindly let me know what this is and how to cure it.

Juliet (by SMS)

 

Hemorrhoids (Piles) are swollen, enlarged veins that form inside and outside of your anus and rectum. They can be painful and uncomfortable and cause rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids are also called piles. We’re all born with hemorrhoids, but at baseline, they don’t bother us. It’s only when they become swollen and enlarged that they produce irritating symptoms. Anyone can get symptomatic hemorrhoids, even teenagers. (But because hemorrhoids take a while to develop, they’re uncommon in children.) However, you may be more at risk if you: have overweight/obesity, are pregnant.

Eat a low-fiber diet, Have chronic  or , Regularly lift heavy objects. Spend a lot of time sitting on the toilet. Strain while having bowel movements. Straining puts pressure on veins in your anus or rectum, causing hemorrhoids. You might think of them as varicose veins that affect your bottom. Any sort of straining that increases pressure on your belly or lower extremities can cause anal and rectal veins to become swollen and inflamed.

Hemorrhoids may develop due to: Pelvic pressure from weight gain, especially during pregnancy. Pushing hard to have a bowel movement (poop) because of constipation. Straining to lift heavy objects or weightlifting. Signs of external hemorrhoids include: Itchy anus, hard lumps near your anus that feel sore or tender, pain or ache in your anus, especially when you sit and rectal bleeding.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful and uncomfortable. You may be able to feel them bulging outside of your anus and gently push them back inside. Hemorrhoids often go away on their own without treatment. Symptoms like pain and bleeding may last one week or slightly longer.

In the meantime, you can take these steps to ease symptoms: Apply over-the-counter medications containing lidocaine, witch hazel or hydrocortisone to the affected area. Drink more water. Increase fiber intake through diet and supplements. Try to obtain at least 20 to 35 grams of daily fiber intake. Soak in a warm bath (sitz bath) for 10 to 20 minutes a day. Soften stool by taking laxatives. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation.

Use toilet paper with lotion or flushable wet wipes to gently pat and clean your bottom after pooping. You can also use a tissue or washcloth moistened with water. (Discard wipes in the trash, not by flushing.

Launder washcloths separately in hot water to avoid spreading infections often found in poop.) You should see your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or interfere with your daily life or sleep.

Also, seek help if signs don’t improve after a week of at-home treatments.

READ ALSO: IGP Egbetokun condemns alleged Police extortion in Bayelsa, other states

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