Natural vs. Medical Treatments for Piles: Which is Right for You?
Updated on: 4th Jun 2024
Hemorrhoids, often known as piles, are a prevalent ailment that millions of individuals experience globally. Piles are characterized by enlarged veins in the anal and rectal regions. They can be quite uncomfortable and interfere with day-to-day activities. Natural cures and medical treatments are among the available treatment choices; each has advantages and disadvantages. This tutorial examines both strategies to assist you in choosing the best course of action.
Understanding Piles
There are two primary categories of piles: internal and exterior. External piles develop beneath the skin surrounding the anus, whereas internal piles originate inside the rectum. Depending on the kind and extent of the piles, symptoms might vary, but often include:
- Bleeding during bowel movements.
- Pain and discomfort while sitting or during bowel movements.
- Itching and irritation around the anus.
- Swelling and lumps near the anus.
- Leakage of feces in severe cases
Natural Treatments for Piles
Natural treatments for piles focus on lifestyle changes and home remedies that can alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. These methods are generally safe and can be effective, especially for mild to moderate cases of piles.
1. Dietary Changes
A high-fiber diet is essential for controlling and avoiding piles. Fiber lessens straining during bowel movements, which is one of the main causes of piles, and softens feces.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, berries, carrots, and leafy greens are excellent sources of fiber.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and whole wheat products help maintain regular bowel movements.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are fiber-rich and beneficial for digestive health.
2. Hydration
Maintaining hydration is crucial for encouraging regular bowel movements and softening stools. Make it a daily goal to consume eight glasses of water or more.
3. Warm Sitz Baths
Pain, itching, and swelling in the anal area can be reduced by soaking it in warm water for ten to fifteen minutes many times a day.
4. Topical Treatments
Aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and coconut oil are examples of natural topical remedies that help relieve irritation and lower inflammation.
5. Cold Compresses
In order to temporarily relieve pain and discomfort, applying ice packs or cold compresses to the anal region can assist reduce swelling and numb the area.
6. Regular Exercise
Engaging in physical activity eases pressure on the rectal veins and promotes bowel function. On most days of the week, try to get in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity.
7. Avoid Straining
By not resisting the impulse to use the restroom and elevating your feet while seated on the toilet with a footstool to facilitate the passage of feces, you can prevent straining during bowel movements.
8. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing excess weight can reduce pressure on the pelvic veins and lower the risk of developing piles.
Medical Treatments for Piles
Medical treatments may be required for situations with piles that are more severe or persistent. These therapies provide efficient means of symptom relief and long-term management, ranging from non-invasive procedures to surgical operations.
1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
OTC creams, ointments, and suppositories containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel can relieve pain, itching, and inflammation. These products provide temporary relief and are suitable for mild to moderate piles.
2. Prescription Medications
In cases where OTC treatments are insufficient, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications, including corticosteroids or anesthetics, to reduce inflammation and pain.
3. Rubber Band Ligation
Internal piles can be treated with a less invasive surgery called rubber band ligation. To stop the bleeding, a little rubber band is wrapped around the hemorrhoid’s base. In a few days, the hemorrhoid diminishes and falls out. This is a simple operation that usually takes place in a doctor’s office with little recovery time.
4. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and eventually disappear. This method is particularly effective for small to medium-sized internal piles. The procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients can resume normal activities shortly afterward.
5. Infrared Coagulation (IRC)
By employing infrared light to coagulate the blood vessels supplying the hemorrhoid, infrared coagulation causes the hemorrhoid to contract. Smaller internal piles can benefit from this procedure, which has a short recovery period and little discomfort. IRC is typically done in an outpatient environment, which makes it a practical choice for a lot of patients.
6. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
These techniques treat piles with electric currents. While direct current electrotherapy uses a low electric current to promote chemical reactions that reduce the hemorrhoid, bipolar diathermy uses heat produced by an electric current to coagulate blood vessels. Internal piles can be effectively treated with either surgery, and recovery time is short.
7. Hemorrhoidectomy
An internal prolapsed pile or big exterior piles are surgically removed during a hemorrhoidectomy. For the majority of patients, it offers long-lasting relief and is very effective. Several methods can be used to carry out the procedure, such as:
- Conventional Hemorrhoidectomy: Involves excising the hemorrhoid tissue with a scalpel.
- Laser Hemorrhoidectomy: Uses laser energy to remove the hemorrhoid with precision and minimal bleeding.
- Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy (PPH): A circular stapling device is used to remove a ring of tissue above the hemorrhoid, pulling it back into place and reducing its blood supply.
8. Doppler-Guided Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (DGHAL)
Using a Doppler probe, DGHAL is a minimally invasive treatment that locates the arteries supplying the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid shrinks as a result of the arteries being cut off, which lowers blood flow. Compared to standard surgery, this method is less painful and has a shorter recovery period.
9. Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD)
While THD and DGHAL are comparable procedures, THD uses a more accurate method to identify and cut the hemorrhoidal arteries. All grades of internal piles can be successfully treated with it, and recuperation from surgery is fast and with little pain.
Conclusion
Although piles can be an annoying and upsetting illness, there are several treatment methods that can help control and lessen symptoms. It’s critical to take into account your general health, your preferences, and the intensity of your symptoms while selecting between medical treatments and natural cures. Speaking with a healthcare expert can help you decide which course of action is ideal for you in your particular case and make sure that you recover from piles as quickly and painlessly as possible.
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