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PILES
by Dr. Rajesh Shah
Definition:
Piles (Haemorrhoids) are swollen and inflamed blood
vessels (veins) in the rectum and anus. Piles are broadly
classified as follows:
External:
Piles that are outside the anal verge
Internal: Piles that occur inside the rectum
Causes:
These include the following:
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Genetic predisposition (weak rectal veins, walls)
-
Poor muscle tone in the rectal region
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Constipation
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Obesity
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Sedentary lifestyle
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Chronic cough
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Pregnancy
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Overuse of laxatives or enemas
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Lifting heavy weights habitually
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending upon the site of piles, duration
of complaints and general health of the person.
External piles present as a swelling outside the anus
with irritation and itching. These can be painful
sometimes and usually do not bleed.
Internal piles
are usually not painful but these bleed when they are
irritated such as during the passage of hard stools. They
can be classified into four grades:
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Grade 1 piles are small swellings on the inside lining
of the anus. They cannot be seen or felt from outside
the anus.
-
Grade 2 piles are partly pushed out (prolapse) from the
anus when you go to the toilet, but quickly 'retract
back' inside again.
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Grade 3 piles hang out (prolapse) from the anus and are
felt as one or more small, soft lumps that hang from the
anus. However, they can be pushed back inside the anus
with a finger.
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Grade 4 piles permanently hang down from within the
anus, and cannot be pushed back inside. They can
sometimes become quite large.
Some of
the other symptoms generally associated with piles are:
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Protrusion of piles outside the anus; this usually
occurs after defecation, prolonged standing or unusual
physical exertion
-
Bleeding from the anus: This can occur before, during or
after stools. This will be bright red blood, not usually
mixed with the stools, but often seen on the toilet
paper
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Soreness, pain, itching in the anal region
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In case of profuse bleeding that is chronic, the patient
may be anaemic
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Sensation of something coming down, or a bulge or lump
at the anus
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If the piles outside the anus develop a blood clot
inside, (thrombosed piles) it leads to a particularly
tender, hard lump
Suggestion about homeopathic treatment:
Homeopathic medicines are very effective in management of
piles and the symptoms associated with it such as pain,
bleeding, itching, etc. The point to be emphasized is that
the relief of symptoms is obtained with absolute
gentleness and without invasion or surgery of any kind.
Moreover, the condition has high relapse rate following
surgical treatment, since surgery does not target the root
causes like genetic tendencies, habitual constipation,
etc. Homeopathic medicines work at the root level and can
modify these genetic tendencies thus reducing chances of
relapse and recurrence of the condition significantly.
Grade 1 and 2 of internal piles can be significantly
helped with homeopathy. Grade 3 piles can find some relief
of symptoms with homeopathy but may not be completely
cured. Grade 4 piles can get symptomatic relief with
medicines.
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