how does piles occur - #22425
I am kind of freaking out here. Last week, I started feeling this weird discomfort, like a throbbing pain and itching around my backside, totally thought it was just some weird rash or something. I ignored it for a couple of days, but then I noticed some blood when I went to the bathroom, and ugh, it’s sooo embarrassing but I had to face it. I went to see my doc, and he mentioned something about piles. Like, how does piles occur? He talked about swollen veins and all that but I just can't grasp how that happens. I mean, I don’t think I’ve been straining too much, right? I've been eating okay – a few veggies here and there, but sometimes I do have those days where things are a little backed up, ya know? Do things like lifting heavy boxes, which is what I did last month while moving, contribute to it? And how does piles occur in different stages? My friend said her mom had to get surgery or something for hers, but is that common? I feel like I might be overthinking this but I really want to know, like, am I destined for surgery or can piles just be dealt with through diet changes and stuff? Any info would really help, thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Piles, or hemorrhoids as they are clinically known, happen when the veins around your anus or lower rectum become swollen. This swelling can be due to increased pressure in the area, often caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, or prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet. Your suspicion about moving heavy boxes being a factor is quite valid too because heavy lifting can increase abdominal pressure, which in turn, thrusts more pressure on rectal veins. Diet plays an important role here - low fiber can lead to constipation, forcing more pressure when you try to pass stool, which is another contributor. If you’re only eating veggies occasionally, consider increasing your intake because a fiber-rich diet can prevent this kind of pressure. Fiber, along with enough fluids, helps keep stools softer, reducing the strain during bowel movements.
Hemorrhoids occur in different stages: internal ones exist further inside the rectum and might not be immediately noticed unless they bleed. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are located under the skin around your anus and can be felt or seen as lumps, vomiting further discomfort like itching or pain. Fortunately, not everyone needs surgery for piles. In fact, many can resolve with lifestyle changes - incorporating more fiber, staying hydrated, avoiding strain, and sometimes using over-the-counter creams or suppositories to ease symptoms can help greatly. For some people, though, if symptoms persist or are severe and keep affecting quality of life, more advanced treatments like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or yes, even surgery, might be discussed with a healthcare provider. It’s wise to keep track of your symptoms and follow up with your doctor if there’s no improvement with these initial changes or if you notice things like significant bleeding, as these could require further evaluation.
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