How to Address the Problem of Piles?

How to Prevent Piles: Essential Tips and Techniques

Piles, or haemorrhoids, are a health problem that impacts millions of people across the globe. In fact, over ten million people in India suffer from piles every year. Haemorrhoids are essentially protruding veins around your rectum or anus. They usually tend to resolve on their own, but many times, they lead to complications that can make them recur, causing extreme pain.

For instance, a prolapsed haemorrhoid may go on to protrude outside the anal border. This makes them larger and puts the individual at risk of developing blood clots. In these situations, there is immense suffering, causing trauma to routine activities. Fortunately, some methods can help alleviate pain and discomfort quickly.

Read on to learn about these effective approaches that can help address piles more effectively.

What are the Best Treatments Available for Piles?

Managing the discomfort and irritation associated with piles can be challenging. The good news is that piles are manageable. If you are seeking immediate relief or long-term prevention, the following are some of the most effective treatments for alleviating pain and managing haemorrhoids:

1. Take Warm Soaks

Warm soaking can help relieve some discomfort, as it also helps alleviate spasms, irritation, and itching. For soaking, it is recommended that you fill your bathtub with a couple of inches of water and soak for about 15-20 minutes, twice or three times a day after a bowel movement.

When washing the affected area, be sure to use unscented soap and avoid scrubbing. A sitz bath is also an option that can be bought at a local pharmacy. These are special plastic tubs that fit over the toilet seat, which makes soaking much more convenient. After soaking, gently pat the area dry, avoiding rough wiping or rubbing.

2. Try Special Wipes

Using toilet paper can sometimes cause irritation. A good solution for this is to dampen the toilet paper before use, or alternatively, use pre-moistened toilet wipes, along with alcohol-free baby wipes. Pain and itching can also be relieved with the help of witch hazel, which is often found in some wipes or creams.

3. Do not Delay Defecation

Delaying bowel movements until later can cause stool to accumulate and worsen constipation, subsequently increasing the chances of developing haemorrhoids. Holding in bowel movements may also harm your existing haemorrhoids by causing strain and pressure to build up in the pelvis region.

4. Include Fiber-Rich Foods in Your Diet

Increasing fiber intake can effectively aid in stool softening. Fiber helps facilitate the passage of waste through the intestines. Foods that are high in fiber include:

• Beans
• Whole-grain bread
• Cereal
• Fresh fruit
• Vegetables

If dietary changes do not yield the desired outcomes, you may need to consider taking supplements after consulting with your doctor. Remember to increase the fiber consumption gradually, as rapid increases may lead to bloating. Increasing fluid intake and hydration can also help soften stools.

5. Adopt Posture Variations

Being constipated can make your visits to the restroom lengthy and frequent. This only adds to the strain of the problem, worsening your haemorrhoids and risking overexertion.

6. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments

1. Numbing Creams/Ointments:These contain ingredients that temporarily block pain signals. Applied directly, they quickly relieve pain, burning, and discomfort.
2. Mild Steroid Creams/Ointments:These reduce inflammation (swelling) and itching. They work well for short-term relief, but should be used carefully and not for too long to avoid skin problems.
3. Astringents & Soothing Wipes:Often made with natural plant extracts like witch hazel, these pads or wipes work by gently tightening the skin. This helps shrink swelling and provides a cooling, soothing feeling, especially useful after using the bathroom.
4. Protective Creams/Ointments:These form a protective layer over the sore skin. This barrier shields the area from irritation caused by moisture or rubbing, allowing it to heal and reducing discomfort.
5. Oral Pain Relievers:While not applied to the haemorrhoids themselves, common pain relievers taken by mouth can help manage overall pain and reduce inflammation throughout the body during uncomfortable flare-ups.

7. Undergo Medical Treatment

There are claims of piles being self-treatable, as noted earlier, but once any bleeding or severe pain is making day-to-day activities a challenge, treatment is needed. Whether through surgery or herbal treatment, haemorrhoids can be effectively managed. However, only 10% of people with piles undergo any surgery.

Can Piles Go Away Without Seeing a Doctor?

In most cases, simple home treatments can help alleviate mild haemorrhoids associated with temporary constipation or straining. Such attempts would include increasing fibre in the diet or fluids, plenty of water, and refraining from sitting for long periods on the toilet. However, more chronic and painful piles that are prolapsed and bleeding almost always need some form of medical intervention.

Piles can be addressed and managed by home remedies; however, if the condition is severe, it is mandatory to seek medical help. In such cases, opting for health insurance helps reduce the financial burden of treatment.

At Star Health, we offer coverage for piles or haemorrhoids, under our Young Star Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with a reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.