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IS IT JUST PILES OR IS IT CONSTIPATION?


In general, most of us find it quite embarrassing to be diagnosed with hemorrhoids. Hence, hemorrhoids is often something that is not discussed widely amongst friends and colleagues. How do you know if you are having hemorrhoids and if you should give the doctor a visit? 

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles are swollen blood vessels near the anus which is caused by increased pressure within the lower abdomen. You might experience extreme itching around the anus, fecal leakage, bleeding as well as painful bowel movement. 

Hemorrhoids can be classified into two types – internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids cannot be seen and felt as they are inside the lining of the rectum unless they are pushed through the anus, resulting in pain and itching. External hemorrhoids on the other hand, are located around the anus. Usually, bleeding occurs after passing motion. As hemorrhoids can worsen overtime if left untreated, you should see a doctor and get it treated if you notice that the symptoms persist. 

Some causes of hemorrhoids may be: 

  • Constipation
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity 
  • Rectal cancer 
  • A prolonged period of sitting down
  • Aging
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Other than surgery, there are a number of natural cures for hemorrhoids. For example, making changes to your diet. Cut down on fast food and sweet drinks and include more fibre-rich foods to reduce the strain and pressure on your rectum.

A fruit that will benefit you greatly is bananas! Eat bananas on an empty stomach every day in the morning. The slippery inside of the bananas contains sugar which actually help to soothe hemorrhoids.

Drinking more water is another cure that also helps in cleaning the intestinal walls and better regulate your bowel movements. 

Other than watching your diet, it is important to keep a healthy lifestyle. Walking or exercising daily for at least 30 minutes help in regulating the bowel movement. Once you feel the urge, you should also go to the toilet instead of keeping it in and waiting. 

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If these natural remedies are not effective, consider giving Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments a try as they can cure hemorrhoids but without the side effects of Western medicine. Western medicine usually suggests surgery for a long-term solution. However, one side effect of the surgery may be losing the ability to control the sphincter which may lead to a leakage of stool. This will then require another surgery to fix this issue.  

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments, physicians would usually prescribe Chinese herbal medicine and also herbal bath to treat hemorrhoids. Gingko Biloba, also known as Bai Guo Ye is often used as part of the TCM treatment for hemorrhoids. Another popular ointment commonly used is Ma Ying Long Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment which is applied topically to the affected area. It can help in reducing inflammation, bleeding as well as itching. A herbal bath using She Chuang Zi (Cnidium Monnieri Fruit) may be prescribed as well, where the patient needs to sit in the bath for 10-15 minutes two to three times a day for a week.