Piles, despite being quite a common condition, often a rather uncomfortable one, also afflict a much of the population. Diagnosis and knowledge of this ailment’s aetiology is essential in understanding how to eliminate this problem and even manage it.

What are Piles?

Piles, or haemorrhoids as common term has it, are enlarged veins around the anus and lower part of the rectum. These vascular structures are part of the normal structure of our anatomy where they function in supporting the anal canal and in bowel control.

What is the Cause of Piles?

• Chronic Constipation and Straining in the Process of Bowel Movements: This is most commonly known to be the greatest direct cause of piles. When stool is hard and difficult to pass out, people tend to push excessively in order to eliminate their stools. This straining increases the pressure in the rectal veins tremendously, and this will make them swell and get damaged easily as time goes by.
• Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Sitting in one position for long periods of time may also prevent the effective return of blood from the rectal veins. This congestion of the veins results in the accumulation of pressure in the veins and this swells them and causes them to become piles.
• Chronic Diarrhea: When constipation is usually seen as a major contributing factor to the development of piles, long-standing or frequent loose bowel movements may also lead to the development of piles. The enhanced irritation and inflammation in the anal canal may erode the supporting tissues and cause stress over the veins.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy the physiological changes also increase the risk of piles development highly. Hormonal changes help relax the smooth muscles of Pelvic region and the developing uterus puts direct pressure on the Pelvic veins that works against smooth flow of blood from the rectum and anus.
• Obesity: Some of the evils of being overweight is that it adds more pressure to the pelvis floor and veins in the lower rectum and the anus, thus making one heap likely to suffer from piles.
• Heavy Lifting: Frequent lifting of heavy weights may lead to an accumulation of pressure in the intra-abdominal region that is directly transmitted to the rectal veins, thereby predisposing the victim to piles formation.
• Aging: With age, the connective tissues that hold the rectal and anal veins in place naturally lose strength and elasticity. The lack of support predisposes the veins to bulging and becoming symptomatic when pressurized.
• Genetics: There are people who have the predisposition to developing weaker veins in the anorectal region thereby making them prone to piles.

Conclusion:

Conclusively, when it comes to the main cause of piles, it is increased pressure in the veins of anus and lower rectum, however, chronic constipations and subsequent straining in bowel movements are the most significant factors.

Though other causes of this added pressure such as prolonged sitting, pregnancy, and obesity can make the problem worse, or contribute to it, correcting the bowel patterns and avoiding constipation are essential in helping to avoid and alleviate the effects of piles.

Dr. Kailash Mishra
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Prime Gastro Liver Clinic