Piles and Varicose Veins

Like everything else in the world, disease trends also tend to change with passage of time. Over the past few decades the disease burden of the world has shifted from infectious diseases to non-infectious lifestyle diseases. This is because with rapid urbanization and increasing life expectancy we have been able to identify a variety of diseases and disorders caused due to eating habits and living patterns. It is safe to say that the problem of piles and varicose veins are also related to this trend to a large extent.

Technically speaking, varicosities of the hemorrhoidal plexus of veins present in the anal region are called piles. This is a rich network of venous circulation. Conditions that increase the intra-abdominal pressure and some persistent factors such as constipation, heavy spicy meals, sedentary lifestyle etc. cause these veins to swell and become engorged. This is how piles develop. Depending on their position (inside the anal canal or protruding out of it), piles may be internal or external. Depending on whether they recede inside after stools or not, piles can also be graded and this gradation shows the severity of the disease condition.

Even though anyone can develop these, the problem of varicose veins and piles is seen in increasing frequency with increasing age. This is because these are chronic and insidious conditions with a slow onset that take years to develop. A lifelong propensity of constipation, habitual straining at stools, an unhealthy diet taken for years together, lack of physical activity as a rule, are all contributing factors that cause piles. Diet rich in heavy, spicy food, poor intake of water, low fiber content in food, constantly eating outside food rather than home-cooked meals, can all add on to the problem. Of course, genetic factors and family history may also play a role. A weak digestive system is often passed vertically to younger generations. Obesity also puts undue pressure on the body and piles and varicosities are often seen in this condition. Pregnancy is another major risk factor. Pregnant women frequently present with newly developed piles or an aggravation of previously healed hemorrhoids. Varicosities are also fairly common in pregnancy due to the high intra-abdominal pressure. Old age, chronic non-healing cough, prolonged sitting at work, lack of exercise etc. are certain other risk factors contributing to development of piles and varicosities.

Varicosities are the tortuous, engorged and swollen veins occurring as a result of high pressure in the veins. While hemorrhoids are the most common example of varicosities, they may also occur very commonly in the legs. This is because of poor blood circulation and prolonged sitting or standing. Factors like congenital absence of valves in the veins may also be responsible. With engorgement of the veins the blood flow becomes static and pools in the vessels. This causes itching and pigmentation of the area. It is necessary to seek medical consultation for the problem of varicosities so as to avoid numerous dangerous complications, like pulmonary embolism in case of varicosities in the legs.

Hemorrhoids generally develop imperceptibly and medical attention is sought only when the disease has advanced to a chronic condition. Internal piles usually present as a painless bleeding streaking the stools. Thee may be itching in the area also. The blood is bright red and may also contain mucus. A mass of tissue may protrude put of the anal opening. In external piles this moist mass of tissue does not recede after stools but stays outside the sphincter. This condition is very painful especially during the process of defecation. The pains are generally burning in nature and may persist even after the act. The external piles usually do not bleed, unless they become complicated as happens when the blood supply becomes cut off, or they become infected. Itching is common in external piles also.

Normally, case history and clinical examination are sufficient to confirm diagnosis. Additional investigations are only advised in specially indicated cases. Patients generally visit their doctor once the disease has advanced significantly, and this adversely affects the time taken to achieve cure. Complications such as anal fissures may also set in and may be difficult to eradicate. Homeopathic treatment gives prompt relief but complete treatment to fully eradicate piles takes time. One must be patient and regular with the treatment.

Homeopathic medicine aims to treat an individual as a whole. This means that a person’s complete symptoms in all spheres – physical, mental and emotional need to be taken up and evaluated. It is necessary to realize that sickness does not merely affect one part or one organ of the body; the vitality of the organism is affected by sickness before the symptoms manifest in a certain organ or system. Accordingly, homeopathic case taking focuses on the individual’s entire case history, tendencies and diatheses, the constitution, the peculiar symptoms and the unique features that set the person apart from other patients suffering from the same medical condition. This is how homeopathy manages to achieve cure where other systems fail – the holistic approach to health and disease.

Similarly, in the case of piles, your homeopathic physician would enquire about not merely your bowel habits and your presenting complaints but also about your detailed case history, the stressful events of your life and your unique tendencies. This will help achieve permanent eradication of disease. There are several medicines in homeopathy with excellent results on piles and varicosities. Notable among those is Aesculus pentarkan by Schwabe India which has shown excellent results in treating piles and varicose veins in people of all ages. Aesculus pentarkan benefits not only the cases of piles and varicosities but it also helps people suffering from chronic indigestion and liver complaints. It tones up the process of digestion and effectively tackles dyspeptic symptoms.

To obtain Aesculus pentarkan German variety approach your nearest licensed homeopathic pharmacy or order online at Schwabe India website. This medicine is safe for both children and adults as well as pregnant and nursing women, however the dose may vary. For the correct Aesculus pentarkan dosage consult your homeopathic physician to obtain best results.