Piles, Fistula, and Fissures are serious conditions. To acquire a good understanding of the difference between piles and fistula and fissures, read this set of the most Frequently Asked Questions below:
Piles
Q1. Do men and women suffer from haemorrhoids at the same rate?
Haemorrhoids affect both genders at the same rate. The risk is higher for adults between 45-65 years of age. Despite this widespread incidence, only 4% of the infected experience severe problems due to enlarged haemorrhoids.
Q2. How many pregnant women suffer from piles in India?
Pregnant women can experience piles due to an enlarged uterus or weaker muscles, a typical result of hormonal changes. It is found that 1 in every 10 expected mothers suffer from piles in India.
Q3. How do doctors diagnose piles?
Depending on the patient’s symptoms, a physician can diagnose piles with a visual examination of the anus. A physical test is the first (and most frequently) used procedure. Here, the doctor inserts a lubricated finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities.
To check for internal haemorrhoids, doctors prefer using the Proctoscopy methodology. Here, a device is inserted inside the rectum. The light on the lens gives a good view to make an informed diagnosis.
In some cases, a small fibre optic-camera, also known as sigmoidoscopy, is inserted into the rectum.
Q4. What are the chances of reoccurrence after surgery?
Usually, surgery cures piles. But the chances of reoccurrence depends on how well does a patient take care post-surgery. It is vital to maintain a fibre-rich diet along with hydrating the body.
Once healed, it is recommended to keep the body weight in check. Yoga is the best exercise to help a person remain healthy (physically and mentally).
Q5. What happens if piles is left untreated?
It is essential to treat piles at the earliest. If untreated, the internal haemorrhoids can stick out – leading to irritation, rashes, bleeding, and other severe complications during excretion.
Q6. Which other factors lead to stool bleeding?
Stool bleeding is not limited to haemorrhoids. It may also be due to:
- Anal Fissure
- Diverticulosis
- Colon Cancer
- Colitis – Inflammation of the colon
- Peptic Ulcers
Anal Fistula
Q1. Which bacteria is most commonly associated with anal gland infection?
Common anal abscess causative bacteria include E.Coli, Bacteroides spp, and Enterococcus spp.
Q2. Does an abscess always convert into a fistula?
50% of abscess cases convert into a fistula. Thus, if you have an abscess, you might not necessarily develop a fistula.
Q3. Which other organs are susceptible to develop a fistula?
Fistulas can occur between different parts of the body. Some of them are:
- Bile duct and the surrounding skin
- Cervix and vagina
- Neck and throat
- Bowel and vagina
- Stomach and surrounding skin
- Navel and the gut
- Artery and veins in the lung
Q4. Can an abscess or fistula recur?
There’s a good chance that a fistula will recur. Since the anal has multiple glands, it is recommended to prevent the symptoms by maintaining healthy hygiene habits and following a fibre-rich diet.
Q5. Is the operation painful?
The surgical treatment for the fistula depends upon its location and complexity in the body. If the operation is simple, chances are you can return home the same day. With complicated surgeries, the patient needs to stay at the hospital to get proper medical attention.
Some discomfort can be experienced post-surgery. However, it is short-lived. Proper medical attention and healthy habits speed-up the recovery timeline.
Q6. What precautions should be taken post-surgery to prevent recurrence?
It is natural to experience some pain and bleeding after surgery. However, it is important to rest well for at least 24 hours post-surgery.
If discharged immediately, follow the guidelines as suggested by your doctor to keep the wound clean and packed. A healthy diet, good liquid intake, and a temporary break from exercise are recommended.
Fissure
Q1. What should be done to treat chronic constipation?
Constipation is the most common cause of fissures. Therefore, it is essential to cure them at the earliest. Some effective remedies are:
- Eating fibre-rich food like apple, oranges, carrots, broccoli, etc.
- Drinking more fluids
- Regular exercising to ease defecation
Further, on your doctor’s recommendation, it is ideal to consume bulk-forming agents like methylcellulose, stool softeners like docusate, osmotic laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia, and lubricant laxatives like mineral oil.
Q2. What is a Sitz Bath?
Sitz, meaning to sit, refers to a kind of bath that involves sitting on a bathtub filled with warm water. Add salt to the water and spread your legs for the water to touch your genitals. Regularly conducting sitz bath for one week should help heal the initial anal tear.
Q3. How many cases of fissure require surgery?
Most of the anal fissure cases heal on their own. Eating fibre-rich food, taking sitz baths, and applying anaesthetic creams should help fix the tear. Very few cases require surgery in India.
Q4. How long does a fissure take to heal without surgery?
Short-term anal fissures typically heal between 4-6 weeks without operations. When home-remedies are implemented regularly, the patient will be freed from the pain.
Q5. How does a fibre-rich diet treat constipation?
Soluble and insoluble fibre is vital for the human body. Soluble fibre (apple, oranges, carrots, etc.) allows water to remain in the stool; thereby, smoothening the digestive tract.
Insoluble fibre (brown rice, nuts, lentils, etc.) adds bulk to the faecal material that allows quick movement of the stool outside the body, thereby reducing the constipation feelings.
Q6. Do fissures recur?
Yes. There are good chances for fissures to recur if an individual develops constipation or any other inflammatory disease.
In order to prevent this recurrence, it is imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Piles, anal fistula, and fissures affect the anal canal. However, this commonality should not be mistaken as a single disease. Each of these diseases affects the human body in different sub-locations and with varying intensities.
It is important to carefully analyse every symptom and accordingly seek medical assistance. If you’re suffering from piles, anal fistula, or fissures, consult your doctor immediately, and things will soon be back to normal.