Hemorrhoids and Piles,

Do's and don’t: PILES to SMILES.

DO's 

• 1. The first precaution to take is that piles (hemorrhoids) patient are to prevent constipation and straining.
• 2. Take adequate fiber in the diet. Fresh fruit, raw and cooked vegetables, whole grain slices of bread and cereals, prunes, raisins, popcorn, figs, pears, and beans are rich sources of fiber.
• 3. Please see the fiber content in diet is abundant in quantity, gradually, as sudden Increase in fiber intake can cause diarrhea as well as pain in the stomach.
• 4. Try fiber supplements (as advised by the doctor) which will keep the stool soft and regular.
• 5. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 8-10 glasses of water daily)
• 6. Reduce the intake of coffee, tea, and spicy food as they may act as irritants and cause; pain during a bowel movement. Lose weight, if you are overweight.
• 7. Exercise regularly as it helps to improve blood circulation as well as keep the extra calories off.
• 8. Train yourself for a regular bowel movement.
• 9. Use stool softeners, which may help in softening the stools.
• 10. If suffering from a cough or sneezing bouts (they too tend to increase the intra-abdominal pressure) get immediate treatment from the doctor.

DON’Ts

• 1. Do not ignore an urge for a bowel movement.
• 2. Avoid excessive straining at stool.
• 3. Do not sit in the toilet for long periods.
• 4. Do not use laxative regularly, as it may become a habit and cause the bowel to lose its the ability to function normally.
• 5. Avoid lifting heavy objects. Even if you lift anything heavy, exhale and do not hold your breath.
• 6. Avoid sitting for long periods as this can exert pressure in the anal area and aggravate the problems of piles (hemorrhoids). Even if your job requires continuous sitting, take short breaks in between and walk around for some time. This will ease the pressure in the anal area.
• 7. Keeps the anal area clean using a very soft or moist toilet paper after each fecal excretion? This will help in relieving itching and prevent further swelling.