Ouchies on the Bum-Bum! Constipation and Piles on Kids

Right. So last night, while I was busy cooking, the children were playing noisily inside the house. Ohh, I cannot define "music to the ears" or downright "irritating" at this point.

Nevertheless, I just let them be.

This was partly for my own sanity too.

Little Miss

Suddenly, I heard Little Miss say, "Ouch, my butt hurts!". Then started running around again.

I went on with my business. They continued making noise.

Then...

"Arrgghh!!! It really hurts!"

So I stepped in and asked, "Why does your butt hurt? Did you fall?"

"No," she said. Then continued playing.

Ok, she did not fall and she was actively playing. So I said there couldn't be anything I should be majorly concerned about.

Piles.

I was still cooking when my husband called my attention to say that Little Miss had piles. Piles or hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels found inside or around the anus/rectum.¹

Oh, you don't have to tell me how painful piles are. I KNOW.

I had them when I delivered my second baby, coincidentally, Little Miss. Four days after the delivery, I had to visit the doctor for I was in severe pain and discomfort. I could not sit properly. I was not able to function properly for two weeks.

So I knew that it could be really disturbing for my girl too.

For me, my piles were caused by the pressure my bottom took when delivering the baby.

Imagine being punched and you get a swelling. That's what happened to my behind.

Constipated

Another cause of piles is constipation. This is what happened to Little Miss.

Although piles are more common in adults, no doubt, it could happen to kids too.

She was not passing stool regularly, and each time, she had to strain. Almost a year ago, I had to bring her to the doctor for she bled each time she passed stool.

How To Avoid Constipation.

1. Add more fiber to your diet. Fibers act like sweepers of the intestine and helps promote healthy digestion. Some fiber-rich foods are oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, whole-wheat products, nuts, etc.

2. Increase water intake. We all know the role of water in the digestion process. Encourage your child to drink more water to avoid constipation.

3. Be more active.Exercise also enhances digestion- it keeps the digestive system active and working properly.

Home remedy for Piles or Hemorrhoids

For Little Miss, she had a swelling around the size of a corn kernel. As I learned from the doctor before, piles are more like blood which is not flowing freely. Like varicose veins. Only a lot more painful!

Here are some remedies you can try to relieve the pain and discomfort:

1. Sitz bath.Sit on a bucket with warm water, exposing the affected part to the steam. The warmth should stimulate blood flow. Do this 2- 3 times a day.

2. Cold compress. Now this, like sitz batch will not cure your piles, but it can help relieve the pain.

3. Hot water massage. Err, not hot-hot but warm. Apply water pressure from the shower and spray in circular motion. This could also stimulate blood flow.

Other home remedies (which I did not use on Little Miss) you can try are witch hazel, aloe vera or over the counter creams/ointments.

It would help if you would also wear loose cotton clothing to avoid irritation on your bum. Of course, avoid constipation by following the tips above.

Sometimes, laxatives can help so that passing stool would not be painful or cause further irritation.

Remember though, that these are just suggestions and in no way should be treated as professional advise.

Always best to consult your doctor if symptoms get worse or if you do not see any improvements for more than two weeks.