Piles (Haemorrhoids) – Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatments

Piles (Haemorrhoids) – Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatments

Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are enlarged veins at the lower part of the rectum or inside the anus. 

The enlarged veins are maybe internal or external around the anal area and range in sizes.

1. Internal hemorrhoids are the most common type of piles and are between 2-4 centimeters inside the rectum.
2. External hemorrhoids. It is not as common as the internal one is located under the skin around the anus.

Symptoms

The most common sign of hemorrhoids is

• Rectal bleeding – bright blood after a bowel movement. Other symptoms include:
• Itching around the anus
• Pain
• Swelling

Causes 

• Straining during bowel movement
• Lifting heavy object
• Pregnancy 
• Low fiber diet
• Obesity
• Constipation
• Sitting too long

Prevention

To reduce your likelihood of developing it, you should live a healthy lifestyle. The following are things you could do to reduce your chances.

1. Exercise – doing 30-40 minutes of exercise daily could reduce your chances of developing it.
2. Diet – maintaining high fiber foods 
3. Not Straining during a bowel movement.

Treatments

Treatments depend on the severity of your hemorrhoids and how bad the symptoms are. 

Most of the symptoms usually go away on their own, but some will require treatment.

• Rectal cream – to relieve the itching and pain
• Diet – Eating more fiber and fruit 
• Hydration – drinking more water
• Sitz bath – Sitting in warm water for 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day can reduce the symptoms.
• Ice packs – The icing technique helps in relieving the pain and swelling.
• Surgery – If your hemorrhoid is severe, and the treatments above haven’t helped, you may require surgery to remove them