Treatment for Piles

 The number of people seeking treatment for piles is not an exact number for those who suffer from the condition. Many people never seek medical attention or prescription medication for the treatment for piles; instead, they rely on home remedies and over the counter medications.

Most people think the problem embarrassing, and hesitate to ask anyone, including a doctor, about a treatment for piles. Relying on Internet searches, commercials on television, or trial and error to find relief for their pain and irritated tissues; they seek their treatment for piles in silence.

 Piles is another term for hemorrhoids, the veins in the anal canal that have become inflamed and irritated. Anyone who suffers from the pain, irritation, occasional bleeding, and discomfort while defecating, with these swollen veins in place will seek relief. According to a study done in the United Kingdom, 15-25 out of every 100 people suffer from piles; studies done by the Mayo Clinic here in the USA place the figure at 50-75% of people over 50 have the condition, and sales of over the counter medicine for the treatment for piles, seems to confirm these figures.

Since the condition is also present in those under the age of 50, the percentages could be higher, especially when gestational piles is figured in; pregnant women often seek treatment for piles due to physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, and disappear after giving birth. People who undergo a drastic change in physical activity are also prone to seek treatment for piles, since that is one of the reasons piles develop, as well.

 There are quite a few remedies available for the treatment of piles, and many of them can be found at home. Unfortunately, there are no cures, only treatments for the symptoms of piles. Self-help is at hand right in your own home kitchen and bathroom.

Sitz Baths - You can find portable Sitz baths at your local pharmacy; they fit over the bowl of your toilet and are easy to use. Soaking the irritated anal area brings instant relief from the itching, and helps to shrink the swollen piles that have extended past the anus opening.

Sitting in a warm water bath in the tub can work as a treatment for piles, as well. Make sure the water is clean and free of any perfumes or dyes, as these irritate the swollen veins. Adding baking soda to the water helps to relieve the itching and swelling, and is a superb natural treatment for piles when used as a paste and dabbed on directly to the anus.

Breathe - As easy as it sounds breathing while defecating is essential. Concentrate on your breathing and do not hold your breath or stop breathing while having a bowel movement. When you hold your breath, your body clinches, and this includes the muscles in the rectum and places even greater pressure on your venous system.

One of the wonders of all night market is the availability of soothing creams and ointments for the treatment of piles at all hours; those who have suffered a flare-up of plies in the middle of the night, will acknowledge the truth of that statement!

All over the counter medications for the treatment of piles include a protectant ingredient like; cocoa butter, glycerin, Kaolin, lanolin or other barrier gel, and other ingredients that act to relieve your discomfort. Those other ingredients include:

Local anesthetics - This temporarily relieves your burning, itching, and pain.

Vasoconstrictors - Shrinks blood vessels, relieving pain, burning, and itching.

Astringents - Dries up the skin in the perianal area, relieving itching, burning and pain.

Antiseptics - Bacterial growth inhibitors (soap and water work just as well).

Keratolytics - Allows medicines to be absorbed further into the rectum when placed on the anal opening.

Analgesics - Represses the pain receptors on nerve endings.

Corticosteroids - Reduces inflammation, relieves itching, burning and pain.

Witch Hazel - A liquid that can be applied directly to the anal area to relieve minor bleeding, itching, burning or swelling.

Butchers Broom - A herb used in teas or compresses to relieve inflammation. (Not to be used by pregnant women or those with high blood pressure).

Chamomile - Can be used as an ointment or compress.

Most nonsurgical treatment of piles is done in a doctor's office or a day surgery. When nothing you are doing at home is bringing long term relief, or you are suffering from bleeding piles and excruciating pain, then these methods may be a solution. Most are only slightly painful and provide immediate relief that last.

Banding - Placing a band on the pile to cause loss of blood supply, creates scar tissue to hold the pile in its natural position.

Sclerotherapy - Injection of oil to cause the pile to shrivel up and go away.

Laser - Seals the veins above the pile causing it to shrink.

Cryosurgery - Freezes the pile, it eventually falls off.

Hemorrhoidectomy - This requires a hospital stay and is extremely painful, and is done when all other avenues have been explored and failed.

The treatment for piles is based on personal choice and severity, preventive care can be the best treatment and should be explored fully at the onset of any bowel function irregularity.