Haemorrhoids (Piles)
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What are Haemorrhoids (Piles)?
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What are the types of Haemorrhoids (Piles)?
Types of Haemorrhoids:
- Internal Hemorrhoids
- Location: Develop inside the rectum.
- Symptoms: Usually painless, but they can cause bleeding during bowel movements. You might notice small amounts of bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. In some cases, internal hemorrhoids can prolapse (protrude outside the anus), causing irritation and discomfort.
- External Hemorrhoids
- Location: Develop under the skin around the anus.
- Symptoms: Can cause itching, pain, and swelling in the anal area. If a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid (thrombosed hemorrhoid), it can be particularly painful and may feel like a hard lump near the anus.
- Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
- Location: Can be external hemorrhoids that have developed a blood clot.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, inflammation, and a hard lump near the anus. The pain is usually most intense within the first 48 hours and may gradually subside.
What are the causes of Haemorrhoids (Piles)?
The following are typical causes:
- Straining During Bowel Movements: This is a common cause, especially due to constipation or chronic diarrhoea.
- Sitting for Long Periods: Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure on the veins in the anus.
- Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea: Both can lead to straining and irritation, contributing to hemorrhoid formation.
- Pregnancy: The increased pressure on the pelvic blood vessels during pregnancy, coupled with hormonal changes, can lead to hemorrhoids.
- Obesity: Excess body weight can increase pressure on the pelvic veins.
- Low-Fiber Diet: A diet low in fiber can lead to constipation, which increases the likelihood of straining during bowel movements.
- Heavy Lifting: Regularly lifting heavy objects can increase abdominal pressure, contributing to hemorrhoid formation.
- Aging: As people age, the tissues supporting the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken and stretch.
What are the symptoms of Haemorrhoids (Piles)?
The symptoms of hemorrhoids can vary depending on whether they are internal, external, or thrombosed:
- Bleeding: Bright red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or on the surface of stool.
- Itching or Irritation: In the anal region, particularly with external hemorrhoids.
- Pain or Discomfort: Around the anus, especially when sitting or during bowel movements.
- Swelling: Around the anus, which may be felt as a lump.
- Prolapse: Internal hemorrhoids can protrude outside the anus, causing discomfort and making it difficult to clean the area.
Is there treatment available for Haemorrhoids (Piles)?
How to prevent or treat piles:
- Have more fluids and stay hydrated
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Increase fibre in your diet, which will make the poo soft
- Paracetamol for pain relief
- Warm bath to help with pain and itching
- Regular exercise
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine to avoid constipation.
- Over-the-Counter Creams and Ointments e.g. Anusol.
- Avoid straining.
Our clinicians can help diagnose and treat haemorrhoids. Please book a telephone or video consultation. Please do not attach any pictures for the telephone consultation. If you are unsure of diagnosis, please still complete the consultation form and book the consultation, our clinicians will help with this.
Please contact your GP urgently or call 111, if:
- You have piles with fever, your shivering and generally feeling unwell
- If there is pus present from the piles.
If your would like more information, please click the NHS link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/
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