Piles are a common condition that can affect people of all ages. People who have piles may experience painful bowel movements, painless bleeding during bowel movements, and itching or irritation around the anal region. Piles are usually swollen or bulged blood vessels around the anus and lower rectum. It develops when there is increased pressure on the blood vessel near the anus or lower rectum. Unknowingly, people have several daily life habits that can cause piles. Keep reading the article to know about the common piles causes.
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What Causes Piles?
Piles can develop because of increased pressure on the blood vessels around the anus and lower rectum. This may occur due to:
- Anal intercourse
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
In addition to the above-mentioned causes, the following are the common harmless habits that may cause piles:
- Lifting heavy weights:
Lifting unusually heavy weights may put pressure on the abdomen and on the blood vessels in the walls of the anus, resulting in their engorgement and bulging out. Gradually, this increased pressure on the blood vessels may result in piles. People whose work involves lifting heavy weights, should get gradually trained and habituated to doing so. - Sitting for too long on the toilet seat:
Sitting on the toilet seat, in itself, puts extra pressure on the blood vessels in the lower rectum, which is actually beneficial in initiating a bowel movement. However, sitting in this position for a long time, can exert undue pressure, resulting in piles. The best way out is to avoid sitting for too long anywhere, whether on the toilet seat or at work on the chair. - Pooping multiple times a day:
Pooping multiple times a day, for any reason such as diarrhea, can put extra pressure on the blood vessel of the lower rectum, from repeated sittings. In due course, it can lead to piles. The underlying reasons that cause multiple pooping need appropriate and timely treatment to prevent complications. - Eating spicy, greasy, or junk foods:
Unhealthy dietary habits are a major cause of piles. Eating too much spicy, greasy or junk foods may lead to constipation or diarrhea, which increases the risk of piles. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is the key to good health, and to keep complications such as piles away. If you are already suffering from piles, here is an Indian diet plan for Piles. - Drinking less water:
Not drinking enough water may harden the stools and cause constipation. Some people may add fiber in the diet to manage constipation, but fiber with adequate water intake can worsen the constipation, increasing the risk of piles. Drinking atleast 6-8 glasses of water a day, is the best bet to keep oneself hydrated and healthy. - Sitting for prolonged duration:
Sitting for the prolonged duration or following a sedentary life may put pressure on the blood vessels in the lower rectum and increase the risk of piles. Engaging in regular physical exercise can help in regular bowel movements and in managing piles effectively. - Spending too much time biking:
When a person sits on a hard bike seat for too long, the blood flow to the anal region is reduced. This causes more pain and swelling at the affected site. Although biking doesn’t cause piles, it worsens the symptoms of existing piles. People already affected with piles may need to take a temporary break from biking, until the condition subsides.
Reach us
If you have been suffering from piles and looking for an effective treatment, you can get in touch with us via email or call us. Our specialist, Dr. Parthasarathy is one of the most renowned surgical gastroenterologists in Hyderabad, India. He has about 15 years of experience and has performed 3000+ advanced laparoscopic procedures, also he has performed more than a hundred successful laser surgeries for piles every year.
