Haemorrhoids affect people for a variety of reasons and are commonly associated with pregnancy – they are small, blood-filled swellings which are caused by dilated varicose veins. They begin developing inside the anus, referred to as internal haemorrhoids, but they can sometimes protrude to become external haemorrhoids. They aren’t dangerous to your health in any way, but may have some unpleasant side effects. Constipation and prolonged straining when going to the toilet can contribute to them, as this increases the pressure in the veins. They can be present for years without you noticing, as they can remain within the body for a long time undetected, but they can also cause anal bleeding, itching, pain and discomfort. Usually, the bleeding is limited to small quantities of fresh blood on the toilet paper, but when stools are passed this may result in larger and more severe bleeding. You may also feel a lump in the anus which gives you a sensation that you haven’t had a full bowel movement. You should visit your GP if you find blood in your stools, as they can advise if you have haemorrhoids or another health problem which may require treatment. Your GP will test for haemorrhoids with a digital rectal examination and may go on to inspect the mucus membrane of the rectum, and the lower part of the large intestine, using a tube called a proctoscope or sigmoidoscope.
Haemorrhoids do sometimes heal themselves without treatment, and this can happen if they are caused by constipation. Your GP may suggest a change of diet which is higher in fibre and roughage, particularly green vegetables, fresh fruit and wholegrain cereals. You should also up your intake of water – experts recommend around eight to ten glasses each day. Although you may feel the need to, try not to strain when you go to the toilet as this is a sign that you need more fibre in your diet – no-one should need to strain to go the toilet. Some people find it beneficial to place their feet on a low footstool to aid the bowel movement if they’re struggling. You can sit in a shallow bath of hot water for 15 minutes several minutes a day to help relieve the pain from constipation. If you have piles which are protruding and painful, a day’s bed rest with an ice pack on the anal area could help. You may find a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel to be useful for this, though you should be careful that the ice doesn’t come into direct contact with the skin – do this for just 20 minutes and limit it to just three times a day.
Minor haemorrhoids can be treated with topical creams which you can buy from the pharmacy or have a prescription from your GP. They generally heal within a few days with this, and it will help with irritation as well. Rubber band ligation can also be carried out at your GP surgery or an outpatient clinic, and won’t require a hospital visit – it involves placing a small rubber band at the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply, which will help it to fall off of its own accord after a few days. After your haemorrhoids have been removed, you will have small skin tags which develop beside the anus. These may be painful or itchy, and if they cause difficulty with your persona hygiene they can also be removed with a minor surgical operation. You should maintain a fibre-rich diet to avoid constipation, as this can cause it to recur.
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