GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT DISORDERS

• PILES / HEMORRHOIDS:

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins around your anus or the lower part of your rectum. There are two types:

• External hemorrhoids, which form under the skin around your anus

• Internal hemorrhoids, which form in the lining of your anus and lower rectum

CAUSES

Hemorrhoids happen when there is too much pressure on the veins around the anus. This can be caused by:

• Straining during bowel movements

• Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea

• A low-fiber diet

• Weakening of the supporting tissues in your anus and rectum. This can happen with aging and pregnancy.

• Frequently lifting heavy objects

SYPTOMS

The symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on which type you have:

With external hemorrhoids, you may have:

• Anal itching

• One or more hard, tender lumps near your anus

• Anal pain, especially when sitting

Too much straining, rubbing, or cleaning around your anus may make your symptoms worse. For many people, the symptoms of external hemorrhoids go away within a few days.

With internal hemorrhoids, you may have:

• Bleeding from your rectum - you would see bright red blood in your stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement

• Prolapse, which is a hemorrhoid that has fallen through your anal opening

Internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful unless they are prolapsed. Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids may cause pain and discomfort.

• CONSTIPATION :

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and stools become difficult to pass. It happens most often due to changes in diet or routine, or due to inadequate intake of fiber. You should call your doctor if you have severe pain, blood in your stools, or constipation that lasts longer than three weeks.

There are many causes of constipation – lifestyle choices, medications, medical conditions, and pregnancy.

Common lifestyle causes of constipation include:

• Eating foods low in fiber.

• Not drinking enough water (dehydration).

• Not getting enough exercise.

• Changes in your regular routine, such as traveling or eating or going to bed at different times.

• Eating large amounts of milk or cheese.

• Stress.

• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement.

However, there are certain medicinal drugs and medical conditions also which can worsen or bring on constipation.

Few self care tips can be taken as follows:

• Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks and alcohol, which can cause dehydration.

• Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your diet. Eat fewer high-fat foods, like meat, eggs and cheese.

• Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.

• Keep a food diary and single out foods that constipate you.

• Get moving, exercise.