Top Myths About Piles Debunked
Updated on: 4th Jun 2024
Hemorrhoids, often known as piles, are a prevalent ailment that millions of individuals experience globally. Even though piles are common, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about them that can cause unwarranted anxiety, guilt, and inappropriate handling. This blog will dispel some of the most widespread misconceptions around piles, offering precise information and clarity to support your understanding and appropriate management of this illness.
10 Myths About Piles Debunked
Myth 1: Only Older People Get Piles
Reality:
People of various ages are not the only ones who can be affected by piles. Younger people are not immune to piles, even if the risk does rise with age owing to tissue deterioration. Even in younger individuals, conditions including prolonged sitting, poor food, persistent constipation, and pregnancy can lead to the development of piles. It’s critical to realize that piles can occur at any age and are caused by elevated pressure in the rectal area.
Myth 2: Piles Always Cause Pain
Reality:
Not every pile hurts. Hemorrhoids come in two varieties: internal and external. Although they may bleed, internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum and typically do not hurt. On the other hand, external hemorrhoids are beneath the skin near the anus and can cause pain, particularly if a clot forms inside of them. The severity and kind of piles determine the degree of discomfort, which differs from person to person.
Myth 3: Piles Will Go Away on Their Own
Reality:
Even though minor cases of piles may go better on their own with lifestyle modifications and home cures, they don’t always go away. In the absence of appropriate care, piles may continue or get worse over time. To ensure you receive the right care if you have ongoing symptoms like bleeding, pain, or discomfort, it’s crucial to speak with a healthcare professional. Ignoring the illness could cause problems that call for more involved medical care.
Myth 4: Piles Are Caused by Spicy Food
Reality:
The blame for piles is sometimes placed on spicy food, yet this allegation is unsupported by scientific data. The main causes of piles are things like straining during bowel movements, long bouts of constipation, and sitting for extended periods of time that put pressure on the rectal veins. Spicy food is not a direct cause of piles, however it can irritate the digestive tract and make symptoms worse in certain individuals. More crucial elements in controlling and avoiding piles are a well-balanced diet rich in fiber and enough water.
Myth 5: Only People with Poor Hygiene Get Piles
Reality:
It is not inadequate hygiene that causes piles. They develop as a result of elevated pressure in the rectal region, which can be brought on by a number of conditions, such as obesity, constipation, pregnancy, and extended sitting. Although maintaining proper cleanliness is crucial for general health, piles are not prevented by it. Rather, concentrating on eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and avoiding extended periods of sitting can help lower the chance of getting heaps.
Myth 6: Piles Always Require Surgery
Reality:
Not all piles require surgery to be treated. Non-surgical treatments including dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, over-the-counter drugs, and minimally invasive procedures like sclerotherapy or rubber band ligation can effectively handle a lot of pile cases. Usually, severe instances that don’t improve with various therapies are saved for surgery. Getting advice from a medical professional can help you decide which course of action is best for your particular situation.
Myth 7: All Rectal Bleeding Is Due to Piles
Reality:
Although they are frequently the cause, piles are not the main reason for rectal bleeding. Rectal bleeding can also be caused by other disorders such diverticulosis, anal fissures, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It’s critical to get an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional if you have rectal bleeding. Without first consulting a doctor, never assume that bleeding is exclusively the result of piles; otherwise, it may indicate a more serious illness.
Myth 8: Sitting on Cold Surfaces Causes Piles
Reality:
Contrary to popular belief, sitting on cold surfaces does not result in heaps. Pile formation is not influenced by surface temperature; rather, it is connected to pressure on the rectal veins. However, prolonged sitting—whether on a warm or cold surface—may exacerbate the pressure in the lower rectum, which can lead to the development of piles. It’s crucial to take frequent rests and refrain from sitting for prolonged periods of time to lower the danger of piles.
Myth 9: Piles Are a Sign of Poor Health
Reality:
Having piles may not always indicate bad health. They are a widespread ailment that can impact individuals of any health state. Pregnancy, heredity, and even commonplace acts like carrying heavy objects can cause heaps to form. While a low-fiber diet and inactivity can be lifestyle factors that aggravate the problem, piles are not in and of themselves a sign of poor health.
Myth 10: Natural Remedies Can Cure Piles
Natural treatments can help control piles symptoms, but they cannot treat the ailment. Aloe vera, witch hazel, sitz baths, and dietary adjustments are examples of remedies that help reduce discomfort, itching, and inflammation, but they cannot get rid of piles. It’s crucial to apply these treatments in conjunction with a thorough treatment plan that, if needed, may also involve medical procedures. Prolonged discomfort and consequences might result from relying exclusively on natural therapies without first consulting a healthcare expert.
Conclusion
Comprehending the veracity about heaps is vital for efficient handling and remediation. We want to lessen the stigma and misunderstanding around this condition by dispelling these widespread misconceptions. For a precise diagnosis and suitable treatment, it’s critical to consult a medical practitioner if you think you may have piles or are exhibiting symptoms. You can live a pleasant and healthy life by managing piles well with the appropriate strategy.
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