Piles and Fistula are two different conditions often misunderstood as the same. Piles and Fistula are two different health conditions that affect the anal passage of our body. The only common thing about both conditions is that these are a kind of anal pathologies. 

Both Piles and Fistula have different impacts on our body if not treated and given proper care.
I have shared some unique differences between piles and fistulas in this blog. Read the blog for more reference. 

What are Piles?

Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, refer to a swollen condition in the internal part of the anus. It causes pain while straining and passing stools and also causes loss of blood from the body. There are three types of piles or haemorrhoids; external, internal and thrombosed, each varying in intensity level. Piles can affect your normal lifestyle by interrupting your normal activities like stools, sitting or disrupting you while going to the toilet. In most cases, the Piles are formed due to Several reasons.

What is Fistula?

Fistula is a condition where a tunnel develops inside the anus and the outside layer of the skin of the anus, which leads to problems with your skin in the region where the anus is situated. A fistula occurs because the anal glands are clogged and form an abscess in the region around the anus. If left untreated, this abscess can enlarge and develop into a Fistula. Both Fistula and Piles vary from each other as they are different but can affect you severely if the treatment isn't provided on time.

What are the symptoms of Piles? 

The Symptoms of Piles are different when compared to that of fistulas; Here are a few common symptoms of Piles which you should know; 

• An itching and irritating sensation in the anal region
• Pain or discomfort while sitting or standing
• Heavy and continuous bleeding while passing stools
• A typical swelling in your anal region can also cause pain and is also one of its symptoms.
• Inflammation in the anal region.
• Feeling a hard lump in the anus region. 

Henceforth these are a few symptoms of Piles. The Fistula's symptoms may differ from that of the Piles. 

Read also: Ayurvedic Medicine for Stress and Anxiety

What are the symptoms of Fistula?

Fistula may have certain similar symptoms when compared to that of the Fistula; 

• An opening in the skin of the anal region
• Having a tunnel opening which in red inflamed
• An oozing puss, blood or stool from the tunnel opening
• A throbbing pain in the anus, especially when sitting or passing stools.
• Pain in the anal region accompanied by fever
• Feeling difficulty controlling the bowel movements
• Having a redness in the anal region

Henceforth these are a few symptoms of Fistula. There may be some variations between the Fistula and the pile. 

What differentiates a fistula from a pile?

Piles and Fistula differ in several ways; Here are a few to mention them; 

• Piles are swollen veins near the anal region, whereas, on the other hand, the Fistula is an opening filled with abscesses near the anal region. Fistulas are also known as an opening of a cavity near the anal region.
• The treatment for both the piles and the Fistula differ in their way; The piles can be treated with certain lifestyle modifications; on the other hand, the Fistula requires some surgeries to remove the pus and the abscess near the anal region.
• The Fistula is caused by infection of the anal glands, Crohn's disease, tuberculosis, radiation therapy, or an injury to the anal region. On the other hand, piles are caused due to several reasons like straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, obesity, and sitting for long periods; a person with a family history of piles can also suffer from the pile's condition.
• If left untreated, the piles can lead to thrombosis, strangulation, and anaemia due to continuous bleeding, as so much blood loss occurs in the body. Suppose a fistula isn't taken care of properly. In that case, there are chances for the abscess to recur, chronic pain and discomfort, persistent infection in the same region, and many more unknown consequences that can occur if there are no proper steps taken.
• Compared to the Fistula, piles can be treated with certain over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes, and this is not possible in the case of the Fistula. The Fistula might require some surgeries at times and also some over-the-counter medications. 
• 
  Hence there are a few differences between the Piles and Fistula; Kindly know the differences between both and take appropriate steps.

Is it possible to cure Piles and Fistula through Ayurveda? 

Ayurveda has the best remedy for everything; Similarly, it also has the solution for your Piles and Fistula; Here are a few Ayurvedic remedies for piles and Fistula; Let's have a look at them. 

Sitz Bath:

Sitz bath is a therapy in Ayurveda that helps alleviate several anal issues. In this treatment, a person suffering from anal issues must take a warm water bath dipping their back and the buttocks region to help reduce inflammation, itching and pain. You can add certain herbs and ayurvedic remedies for more effective results for complete healing. 

Dietary Changes:

Changing your diet can also help you achieve this in the longer term. Changing your diet can help you obtain a healthy diet and proper bowel movements. If you are suffering from any of these problems, add a high-fibre diet, like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, as these will help you soften the stool and prevent constipation.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Certain Life Style Modifications can also be helpful to get you out of the issues. If you are less physically available, try to add some workouts to your routine to prevent you from getting such conditions. Try indulging yourself in certain activities like yoga, meditation and more. 

Triphala: 

Triphala combines three fruits, Amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki, widely used for your digestive issues. It can help promote your gut and overall digestive health, enhancing bowel movements, preventing constipation and healing piles. They are available in both powders and in the form of liquid.

You can apply all these Ayurvedic remedies and solutions for the Piles and Fistula. 

Hope you find the blog helpful.

Thank you for your valuable time!