Piles or haemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum and cause lumps that cause acute pain. Piles is a very common problem in India. In most cases, it gets better on its own but may require treatment if you experience its severe symptoms including itching around the anus, blood coming with urination and excretion and unbearable pain around the anus. Surprisingly, winters make piles worse. Haemorrhoids patients suffer a lot during the cold season.
According to Dr. Sanjay Verma - Director, Minimal Access, Bariatric and GI Surgery, Fortis Escorts, Okhla road, New Delhi, when temperature drops, blood vessels shrink and hamper blood circulation. Piles patients must take care of their condition to prevent its critical symptoms. Here are some tips that can help manage piles and reduce its pain and discomfort.
Take Sitz bath
Sitz bath is an old remedy for piles management. This is also called hip bath as you are supposed to soak your perineal region(between your thighs and anal region) in warm water for 15-20 minutes. This helps in reducing pain, itching and discomfort in the lower rectal region to aid piles.
Make sure the water is lukewarm and don’t sit for longer as it might irritate your skin. This exercise also increases blood circulation to prevent worsening of piles symptoms.
Have a diet rich in fibre
Fibre is essential not only for digestive health but it also aids haemorrhoids by regulating bowel movements. It is essential because one may suffer from bleeding while passing stools in piles. Having smooth bowel movements reduce pain, discomfort and bleeding. For that, you need to include fibre in your diet. Have fibrous foods, whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Besides, drink a lot of water.
Respond to nature’s call immediately
Imagine you are doing something and you feel an urge to pee. A lot of people hold back their urge for minutes and sometimes hours(when they are travelling) which is the worst habit ever. One should immediately go to the restroom when they feel the urge to urinate. This might seem the right step but this can cause constipation in the long run. In addition to this, people who have piles might experience loosening of rectal muscles that could cause severe health repercussions in the near future.
Exercise regularly
Exercising is important to keep muscles active. This would also soothe rectal muscles and prevent pain and discomfort in the anal region. Besides, when the body is active and fit, you are less likely to develop complications of piles.
Avoid consuming alcohol
Alcohol is your enemy if you have piles. You must avoid consuming alcohol as this affects bowel movements which can worsen haemorrhoids. People who consume alcohol in excess are highly likely to suffer from its serious complications that may even require surgery. Thus, it is better to avoid than going under the knife.
Image credts- freepik
