Piles (haemorrhoids) are lumps inside and around your bottom (anus). They often get better on their own after a few days. There are things you can do to treat and prevent piles. Check your symptoms of pain around your anus, lumps around your anus, mucus in your underwear, feeling like you still need to poo after going to the toilet, Itchy anus, mucus on toilet paper after wiping your bottom, bright red blood after you poo.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hemorrhoids
Several conditions and habits are thought to cause haemorrhoids.
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
- Straining too hard during bowel movements
- Sitting on the toilet for a long time
- Lack of fiber in the diet
- Overweight or obesity can put pressure on the hemorrhoidal tissue.
- Aging; the connective tissue in the rectum and anus becomes weaker, potentially resulting in bulging hemorrhoids.
- Pregnancy; as the fetus grows and puts pressure on the abdomen, the veins in the rectum and anus become enlarged. The problem typically goes away after birth.
Haemorrhoids Treatment and Remedies
- Take a sitz bath. This is a warm shallow bath that specifically targets the area; most drugstores sell a plastic kit that fits over your toilet.
- Use an ice pack.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements.
- Clean your anus properly and keep it clean after each bowel movement.
- Sit on cushioned surfaces rather than hard ones, to reduce swelling and prevent new haemorrhoids from forming.
- As needed, take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin.
- Try over-the-counter creams, ointments, or pads containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel. These can relieve swelling, pain, and itching. (Products with hydrocortisone can also cause the skin to thin or weaken and should not be used for more than a week at a time.)
- Contact your GP or Doctor if you have persistent symptoms or bleeding which may need surgical intervention.