In the driver community, for that matter, why only the driver community rather in the entire society HIV / AIDS is a stigma and is not discussed openly for various known reasons. But there is yet another medical problem called Haemorrhoid / Piles / Moola Vyadhi or Bavaseer (Colo Rectal Disorders) which is also a taboo to be disclosed. Almost half the world population at some time or the other silently suffers from colo rectal disorders. In the third world countries, and more specifically in India, this segment is being ruled by quacks. It is estimated about 36.7% of the current Indian population is suffering from colo rectal disorders.
This is one of those problems that most people feel shy to talk until they are so uncomfortable that it becomes imperative to visit a doctor. Perhaps a little bit of information can help to prevent piles and cure it if it is already too late. Awareness not only among the drivers but also their employers will go a long way in avoiding loss of vital manpower on this account.
Not being visible to the eye, patients only end up going to a doctor after it gets serious. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has documented that piles are more of a problem among truckers than people in other occupation.
Dr. Parmeshwar, a renowned expert in piles management, says that due to the working conditions for truck drivers requiring long hours of sitting without break, sleeping patterns (drives at nights sleep in uncomfortable places under lots of disturbances all through the sleep cycle), irregular meal schedules, food habits and stress which leads to piles. These conditions are definitely occupational hazard for truckers. The piles at times prove very painful and make it almost impossible to sit down.
Lack of awareness on whom to approach when someone faces the problem results in ending up with a quack. Obviously, such quacks are no healers and predictably complicate the problem which otherwise could have been handled well by a qualified doctor.
Truckers, IT professionals and tailors who are sitting most of the time are more prone to piles than those who have jobs that involve more of physical activity rather than getting glued to their seats for long hours. Straining to go to the bathroom due to constipation, being overweight and having a big belly are associated causes for piles.
There are a few things that one can do to help prevent piles. Constipation is one of the main culprits which has to be set right. In order to do so, a person must eat lots of seasonal fruits, vegetables, whole grains and drink plenty of water. These elements of diet are also extremely helpful for other complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
So, what can one do if already have piles? There are over-the-counter remedies that can be bought in a pharmacy to get temporary help until the flare-up settles down. Some medicine comes in cream form, some in medicated pads.
Sitting in a tub full of warm water can also be very soothing. Continuing the therapy for a week or so will make the piles patient feel better.
A special seat cushion made for this purpose can also relieve the pressure and discomfort of piles while sitting. It comes in different sizes and many are inflatable so it can be adjusted to meet one’s comfort needs.
Regular walks, whenever a break is taken on or off the highway, can go a long way in mitigating piles.
If discomfort persists even after the remedial actions, or if piles are bleeding, one should definitely need to see a qualified doctor who can examine the patient and perhaps send him to a specialist to look into the problem. There are simple surgical procedures that can be done to get rid of the piles.
If the factors that caused one to have the piles in the first place aren’t taken care of, there is a chance of recurrence.
If the haemorrhoids / piles get too severe, it becomes a case of profession vs. health. The truck driver may need to change occupations altogether, preferably one that requires much less sitting. May be another job in the office or on the loading side. And, more importantly, one has to address the issues that caused them in the first place so that they don’t come back.
I know it is somewhat an uncomfortable topic, but if we have some of those unlucky drivers suffering from Bavaseer, the driver should take care of it and the transporter should come forward as his guide.
Instead of our drivers feeling miserable and ignorant about it, we must educate them about the preventive steps and avoid this uncomfortable condition.
Wishing all our drivers miles without piles for years of their career.
By Raghuram Sharma