CAUSES OF PILES IN YOUNG ADULT
More young adults are experiencing piles (hemorrhoids) due to a combination of lifestyle, diet, and behavioral changes. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons:
1. Sedentary Lifestyle
· Many young adults spend long hours sitting, especially at desks, gaming, or using digital devices.
· Sitting for extended periods puts pressure on the rectal veins, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids.
2. Low-Fiber Diet
· Diets high in processed foods, fast food, and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains lead to constipation.
· Straining during bowel movements is a major cause of hemorrhoids.
3. Poor Bowel Habits
· Ignoring the urge to go to the toilet or spending too much time on the toilet (often due to phone use) can increase pressure on anal veins.
· This is a big risk factor for developing piles.
4. Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea
· Both conditions put stress on the rectal area and contribute to piles.
5. Heavy Lifting or Straining
· Whether in the gym or during physical labor, improper lifting technique or excessive straining can lead to increased abdominal pressure, which affects rectal veins.
6. Obesity
· Being overweight increases pressure on the pelvic region and is linked to a higher risk of hemorrhoids.
7. Dehydration
· Not drinking enough water leads to harder stools, which can cause straining.
8. Stress and Gut Health
· Stress can affect digestion and bowel habits, leading to either constipation or diarrhea, which are both hemorrhoid triggers.
9. Lack of Physical Activity
· Regular movement promotes healthy digestion. Sedentary behavior slows it down and encourages constipation.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PILES
1. Warm Sitz Bath
2. Coconut Oil application
3. Ice Packs
4. High-Fiber Foods
5. Drink Plenty of Water
6. Avoid Straining or Sitting Too Long
AYURVEDA
In Ayurveda, piles (hemorrhoids) are known as “Arsha” (अर्श) and are considered a doshic imbalance in the body, particularly related to Vata, Pitta, or Kapha doshas. Ayurveda treats piles not just as a local issue, but as a systemic problem caused by poor digestion, low agni (digestive fire), and improper lifestyle
Meaning of “Arsha”
· “Arsha” comes from the root word that means “enemy.”
· It’s considered a disease that behaves like an enemy of the body, especially of the anal region.
Root Cause According to Ayurveda
The primary cause is weak digestive fire (mandagni), which leads to:
· Improper digestion
· Accumulation of Ama (toxins)
· Disturbed doshas
· Straining during bowel movements
This eventually affects Apana Vata, the subtype of Vata responsible for elimination, causing pile mass development
Contributing Factors (Nidana)
· Excessive intake of spicy, oily, junk, or dry foods
· Irregular eating habits
· Sitting for long periods
· Suppression of natural urges (like urge to pass stool)
· Chronic constipation
· Heavy lifting
· Lack of physical activity
Ayurvedic Treatment Approach
In Ayurveda piles management mainly depends on the stage of the disease
If it is in initial stages it can be managed by the oral medication if not our acharyas have mentioned some of the surgical and para surgical procedures like ksharakarma(chemical cauterization with alkali), agnikarma(electric cautery), shastrakarma(excision).
FISTULA
In Ayurveda, a fistula-in-ano is known as “Bhagandara” (भगन्दर) — a chronic and often painful condition characterized by an abnormal tunnel or tract between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. It is considered one of the Ashta Mahagada (eight major diseases), meaning it is difficult to treat and often recurrent.
Definition of Bhagandara
· The term “Bhaga” refers to the perineal area (area between anus and genitals).
· “Darana” means tearing or bursting.
· So Bhagandara means a condition where there is a tearing, breaking, or abnormal tract formation in the anal region
Causes (Nidana) of Bhagandara in Ayurveda
Ayurveda attributes it to the following:
· Chronic constipation or frequent diarrhea
· Untreated boils or abscesses near the anus
· Poor hygiene
· Suppression of natural urges
· Excessive intake of spicy, oily, or heavy-to-digest foods
· Sitting for long hours
· Sexually transmitted infection
Ayurvedic Treatment for Bhagandara
1. Kshara Sutra Therapy (Gold Standard)
Minimally invasive para-surgical procedure.
A medicated thread is passed through the fistulous tract.
The thread:
· Cuts and heals the tract gradually
· Removes infection
· Encourages natural healing
It is:
· Less invasive than surgery
· Has minimal recurrence
· Outpatient-friend
Fistula in ano is always a surgical condition it cannot be managed by any oral medication.
BENEFITS OF KSHARA SUTRA
· Minimal invasive technique
· Cost effective compared to other conventional surgeries
· Cut and heal from base removes root cause
· Less tissue injury
· Prevents post operative complications like anal incontinence
· Chance of recurrence is almost nil
· No major wound after the procedure
· Less discomfort
· Compatible for all the age groups
· Less hospital stay
· Can indulge in daily activities next day after surgery