Hemeroids (often known as Piles) are masses of tissues present in the anal canal. Surrounded by muscle and elastic fibres, these clumps contain blood vessels. Typically the symptoms of hemeroids start with rectal bleeding during bowel movements that is painless. The blood is usually bright red on the tissue when you wipe or in your stool.

Be aware, however, that rectal bleeding could be caused by other anal-rectal disorders. Always bring such symptoms to the attention of your doctor. Other common complaints are:

  • Skin irritation: hemeroids that bulge from the anus and are large sometimes produce mucus, which causes skin irritation that is mid to severe
  • Itching. Internal hemeroids often ooze mucus as well as cause itching
  • Discomfort: The urge to pass a stool after having a bowel movement could be present resulting in an uncomfortable feeling. This feeling is caused by bulging hemeroids in the end portion of your anal canal.
  • Pain: Large hemeroids that swell and bulge from the anus can become painful when they are squeezed by the muscles that control the anus.

Causes of Hemeroids

Due to the extra stress in the lower part of the rectum/anus which leads to bleeding, and can be prevented by reducing anal stress and providing protection/treatment to mucus membrane of intestine, this brings relaxation to the body. On the otherhand there is no exact known cause for hemeroids, although diet and heredity are considered possible factors. Practically-speaking, hemeroids generally develop from increased pressure in the veins in the lower rectum. Some of the most common source of pressure include:

  • Constipation and the accompanying extra straining
  • Diarrhea and the continuous ejection of loose stools
  • Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Obesity
  • Stress

How do you recognise if you have hemeroids?

The most common symptoms of hemeroids are :

  • Pain around the anus and lower bowel when you are relieving yourself (opening bowels)
  • Itching around the anus area
  • Discharge of mucus (a slimy liquid)
  • Bleeding around the anal area. Blood is generally not mixed with excreta but is present around the anus. The blood discharged is usually bright red in color. You may observe it while using toilet paper.
  • A feeling of something hanging or a bulge/lump at the anus.
  • A feeling of a full rectum. Feels as though your bowels are not completely emptied.


Tips for Relieving and Preventing Hemeroids

Living with hemeroids can be a challenge. However, you can prevent and relieve hemeroidal flare-ups by following these self-care measures

  • Eat more fruits, vegetables, grains and other high-fiber foods. Doing so will help soften your stool and increase it’s bulk, which will help lessen the straining that can cause hemeroids.
  • Drink plenty of liquids. The exact amount of water and other fluids you should drink each day varies and depends on your age, sex, health, activity level and other factors.
  • Use topical treatments. Apply an over-the-counter hemeroid cream like Melorrhoid. Or use pads containing witch hazel or a topical numbing agent. Keep the anal area clean. Bathe (preferably) or shower daily to cleanse the skin around your anus gently with warm water. Soap isn’t necessary and may aggravate the problem. To minimize irritation from moisture, gently dry area with a hair drier after bathing.
  • Apply cold packs. Apply ice packs or cold compresses on the anus to reduce swelling.
  • Soak regularly in a warm bath. Do this several times daily.

Hemeroids Simple Do’s and don’t s

Do

  • Keep your anus clean and dry to avoid infecting a bleeding hemeroid. The ideal solution is to use a bidet such as this easily attached bidet after going to the bathroom. This avoids using abrasive toilet paper which will irritate and inflame the already sensitive are.
  • Try to make a note of when your hemeroids are most painful to check if anything in your diet causes them. Constipation is a well known factor.
  • Eat plenty of foodstuffs rich in natural fibre and drink plenty of fresh water, to keep your stools soft and easy to pass, this is essential advice when tackling hemeroids.
  • Take a regular break if sitting for long periods get up and move around and get some exercise.

Avoid

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