Haemorrhoids ( also called ‘Piles’)  are small, blood-filled swellings caused by dilated varicose veins that occur in the anus and lower rectum and are usually caused by straining during bowel movements.

They are very common in both men and women and about 50% of adults have them by the time they turn 50.

Causes of Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids can be regarded a lifestyle disease reflective of the typical low-fibre Western diet, and its resultant tendency to cause constipation. Failure to pass a stool when needed, eating a diet low in fibre, not drinking enough fluids, and not exercising regularly can lead to constipation, which increases your probability of developing haemorrhoids.

Pregnancy can also cause haemorrhoid formation as the pressure of the growing foetus on the lower abdomen, along with hormonal changes, can cause the anal blood vessels to enlarge. During pregnancy women are more prone to haemorrhoids, varicose veins and even, bleeding gums because when you are pregnant, the amount of blood circulating through your body increases.

Other contributing factors include aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse.

One of the most common causes of rectal bleeding is haemorrhoids.

Only on rare occasions it might be due to a more serious condition. Haemorrhoids are not dangerous, though they can be quite painful and irritating.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the degree of prolapse and severity of symptoms.  If you have symptoms of a haemorrhoid, it is important to visit your doctor to make sure that the bleeding, pain or swelling is due only to a haemorrhoid and not to anything more serious.

The treatment begins with increasing intake of water and fibre to soften the stool, but further treatment is likely to be by removal at a surgical operation.

Treatment depends on how extensive the fissure is, the reason the fissure developed, and how it is affecting you.

Topical corticosteroids may reduce inflammation and pain. In many cases, haemorrhoids are small and symptoms settle down without treatment.