10 Mistakes that can aggravate your piles
Piles are the inflammation or swelling of the blood vessels around your anal region. Piles can become very painful and can cause discomfort, itchiness, or bleeding while passing stools or while sitting. Since having piles is already difficult and uneasy, here are 10 common mistakes that can aggravate your piles.
Ignoring constipation and diarrhea
Having constipation can result in the formation of hemorrhoids. On the other hand, diarrhea can also aggravate your piles and worsen the symptoms. If you have diarrhea or constipation, make sure to evaluate your diet and remove the foods that may be causing diarrhea or constipation. If constipation or diarrhea still prevails, it is best to consult your physician.
Sedentary Lifestyle
If you have a desk job and you use most of your leisure time watching TV or browsing the internet, it can surely lead to chronic constipation. Chronic constipation makes it difficult to pass stool and it makes you strain more by doing so. Sitting on hard or rough surfaces can further increase the pressure applied to your anal region. Also being overweight can only worsen your situation. Physical inactivity and being constantly seated can put more pressure on the veins around the anal area which can cause piles and aggravate it if you already have them.
Poor hygiene
The heat and humidity levels in India can cause a lot of discomfort to piles patients. In such conditions, it is very important to shower every day and keep your anal region clean and dry. Maintaining poor hygiene will only worsen the itching and irritation in your anal region.
High levels of stress and anxiety
High levels of stress and anxiety can cause piles flare-ups. If you have a stressful job or if you are going through a stressful period in your life find an activity that relaxes you and calms you down. Take two or three days off from your work to relax and bring your stress levels down.
Overuse of Laxatives
If you have piles accompanied by constipation, your gastroenterologist will prescribe some laxatives or stool softeners that will make it easier to pass your stool. It is recommended not to use these tablets or syrups for more than one week or as per the prescription. Do not overuse laxatives and have a habit of consuming these prescription drugs on a regular basis without the recommendation of your piles doctor. Consult your gastroenterologist if constipation still persists.
Lifting heavy objects daily
Working out in the gym is definitely a healthy practice. However, it is not recommended to lift heavy weights if you have piles. By doing weight lifting and heavy weight lifting, more pressure is exerted on your piles which can aggravate them. It is best to continue doing the moderate exercise until your symptoms subside.
Using your smartphone while on the toilet
Many people have the habit of reading newspapers and browsing through social media apps on their smartphones while on the toilet, passing stools. While doing so, you lose track of time and tend to sit on the commode for prolonged periods of time. This can exert more pressure on the veins on your anal region and aggravate the pain and other symptoms of piles.
Drinking too much coffee
Coffee, similar to alcohol, can cause dehydration and can irritate your stomach lining. Caffeine found in coffee is a big contributor to constipation. So it is best to avoid coffee all together or limit your coffee consumption.
Using wet wipes to clean your anal region
Most wet wipes available today are scented and contain alcohol and several other chemicals. Alcohol can cause irritation and excruciating pain when it comes into contact with piles. It will also cause a burning sensation in your anal region since the skin around your anal region is very sensitive. Too much wiping the anal region with soap and other agents can make it dry which can be avoided.
Not attending to nature’s call on time
It is very important not to control your urge to defecate. By postponing your time to go to the toilet, you would only put more pressure on your veins around your anal area. Thus, it is always important to answer nature’s call immediately.
Unhealthy food habits and lifestyle changes have resulted in more number of people getting piles or hemorrhoids. Surgery for piles has become so common that any experienced Piles Surgeon can do a Piles surgery with ease.
