You Mean Piles Are Really Hemorrhoids?

Piles or Hemorrhoids?

How often did you hear the word "piles" in the context of someone explaining a malady, and wonder what exactly it was they were talking about?  Hemorrhoids, or piles, have consistently been one of humanity's most common and uncomfortable disorders.  While a precise definition of hemorrhoids doesn't seem to exist, they can be described as clumps, masses, or "piles" of tissue within the anal canal that contain blood vessels and surrounding tissues.  In fact, hemorrhoids are another form of varicose veins.

Even though most people think hemorrhoids are visited upon by only a few select individuals, they are present in everyone.  It is only when these veins enlarge that they can cause problems and are considered abnormal or a disease.  Only about four percent of the general population suffer from problematic hemorrhoids and can be found equally among men and women, but are more prevalent in those over the age of 40.

What Are They?

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins occurring in and around the anus and rectum.  These veins can be felt and seen as knots or lumps and can be very uncomfortable.  If a hemorrhoid has its origin at the top of the anal canal it is referred to as an internal hemorrhoid and if it originates from the lower end of the anal canal, near the anus, it is referred to as an external hemorrhoid. 

There are several theories as to the causes of enlarged hemorrhoids, including inadequate intake of fiber and prolonged sitting on the toilet straining with bowel movements; however none of these theories has strong support.  Pregnancy clearly is a cause for hemorrhoids although, again, the cause is not totally clear.  Tumors in the pelvis can cause hemorrhoids from the pressure on veins draining upward from the anal canal.

Symptoms And Recommendations

Generally, the symptoms of internal and external hemorrhoids differ.  External hemorrhoids are felt as bulges at the anus with few symptoms that are typical of internal hemorrhoids.  This type of hemorrhoid can cause problems as in the case of thrombosis, or clotting of blood within the vein.  The irritation caused by this type of hemorrhoid can create pain, scarring and other unpleasant effects.

The recommended method of dealing with hemorrhoids is a high fiber diet.  Fiber is found in numerous foodstuffs including such items as fresh or dried fruit, vegetables, whole grains and cereals.  It is recommended that 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day be included in the diet to promote healing and health in the case of hemorrhoid discomfort.