is piles and fissure same - #38377
I am really confused about something and need help. For the last few months, I’ve been dealing with a lot of discomfort and pain in my anal area. At first, I thought it was just regular constipation, but then I started having these sharp pains when I would go to the bathroom, and sometimes there’s blood too. So, when I googled my symptoms, I kept coming across the terms “piles” and “fissure,” and now I’m wondering, is piles and fissure same thing?? Like, are they related in any way? I finally went to a doc and he mentioned both but didn’t really explain much about the differences. My mom says she had piles when she was pregnant but didn’t experience fissures, so that just added to my confusion. I’ve tried a few over-the-counter creams, but they don’t seem to work, and I’m feeling desperate to get rid of this. Between the itching and pain, I am feeling pretty miserable. I’ve been trying to eat more fiber and drink water, but things still feel like a disaster down there. Can someone please clarify if piles and fissures are different, what I should be looking for, and any natural remedies that could maybe help? I just want to feel normal again. Thanks a lot!
Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition


Doctors' responses
Piles and fissures are actually not the same, though they both do cause discomfort around the anal area. Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. Fissures, on another hand, are small tears in the skin of the anal canal. Piles can cause itching or bleeding but are different in nature from fissures, which often result in sharp pain during bowel movements.
These conditions can share common triggers, like constipation or straining during bowel movements. Thats probably why your conversations have muddled the two. Since you mentioned trying creams with little success, it’s important to focus on rectifying potential underlying causes like your diet and lifestyle.
Ayurveda places great emphasis on Agni (digestive fire). To balance the doshas and pacify Vata, which usually aggravates these conditions, consider adjusting your dietary habits. You are already on right track with fiber and hydration, but here are more targeted suggestions:
1. Diet - Increase intake of warm, cooked foods. Avoid spicy, oily, or processed foods. Triphala, a herbal blend, is excellent for supporting digestion and can be taken at night with warm water to aid bowel movements.
2. Lifestyle - Establish regular meal times and avoid heavy meals at night. Regular exercise, such as gentle yoga or walking, can promote digestion and circulation. Avoid long periods of sitting.
3. Hydration - Consuming warm water can aid in easing bowel movements. You can also try having a teaspoon of ghee in warm milk before bed.
4. Remedies - Applying sesame oil or coconut oil can soothe the anal area. A sitz bath with warm water mixed with a pinch of salt can provide relief.
If symptoms persist or worsen, seek further evaluation from health professional to prevent complications. These approaches aim to address root causes while providing symptom relief.
Piles, which are also known as hemorrhoids, and fissures are indeed distinct conditions despite both affecting the anal area and being related to bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal, which can cause itching, discomfort, and occasionally bleeding during bowel movements. On the other hand, an anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, often leading to sharp pain during and after bowel movements, and sometimes bleeding.
Both conditions can be aggravated by constipation and straining during defecation. It’s great that you’re already working on increasing fiber and water intake, as these can help ease both ailments by softening stools and reducing strain.
From a Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, anal fissures are often related to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which governs the body’s movements, including the elimination processes. Piles, especially when swollen and painful, can also involve both Vata and Pitta imbalances, as Pitta relates to inflammation and heat processes in the body.
For managing these conditions naturally, you could try some specific recommendations. Sitz baths with warm water, perhaps even adding astringent herbs like Triphala, can provide relief and help promote healing by soothing the affected area. Apply a paste of turmeric and ghee externally around the anus to support healing, thanks to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties.
To address the root cause, incorporating a digestive aid such as Trikatu powder might help—take a quarter to half teaspoon with honey before meals to kindle your Agni (digestive fire), ensuring proper digestion and regular bowel movements.
An oil massage with sesame oil can also help in balancing Vata dosha; gently massaging the abdomen in clockwise direction can promote better gut movements.
Ensure you avoid spicy, oily, and processed foods to minimize Pitta aggravation and focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. But if symptoms persist or worsens, it’s crucial to consult a physician promptly as these conditions sometimes require professional care beyond natural remedies. It’s all about finding the right balance and approach for your particular body constitution and health needs.

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