Haemorrhoids |
Who suffers from haemorrhoids? What are the symptoms? Should I see a doctor? How are haemorrhoids treated? Help yourself |
Haemorrhoids (most commonly known as 'piles') are enlarged blood vessels, either inside or outside your back passage. The blood vessels become enlarged when subjected to pressure, for example when straining with constipation or during childbirth.
Nearly everyone at some stage of their life will suffer from
haemorrhoids. They can be particularly common among pregnant women,
because the pressure of the baby, as well as hormonal changes, can cause
the blood vessels to enlarge.
Other times when you may be sensitive to haemorrhoids can be if you are
overweight, constipated or elderly. Standing or sitting for long periods
can also be a cause. Fortunately haemorrhoids are usually a minor and
temporary inconvenience. However, if they cause persistent symptoms your
doctor should be able to offer advice and medication to help.
The main symptoms are swelling and irritation, in or around your back
passage, they are painful and sometimes there is bleeding when you pass a
stool.
Internal haemorrhoids usually cause less severe symptoms. They cannot
ordinarily be seen or touched, but can cause pain and bleeding when going
to the toilet. Fresh, bright red blood on the toilet paper is a sign of an
internal haemorrhoid.
External haemorrhoids tend to be more uncomfortable and are more
troublesome. These too can bleed, usually when rubbed by toilet paper or
tight fitting underwear.
Sometimes a blood clot can form into a haemorrhoid (thrombosed piles).
This will feel like a painful lump, about the size of a grape, sticking
out through your back passage.
As previously stated, in most cases haemorrhoids are nothing more than a
temporary problem. If they are uncomfortable you may want to ask your
pharmacist for a haemorrhoid cream, ointment or suppository (tablets that
you push gently up inside your back passage). You can also take steps to
reduce the chance of a recurrence (see below). If you notice dark blood
mixed with your stools, experience pain or suffer excessive irritation or
mucus leakage, you should book an appointment with your doctor.
Your doctor will examine you and may want to feel inside your back
passage. Although this may seem embarrassing, it is very important to
exclude any serious illnesses such as cancer.
Most haemorrhoids get better within a few days without any specific
treatment. Simple measures such as bathing in warm water, applying ice
packs, applying a haemorrhoid cream or ointment, or using a suppository
obtained from your pharmacist can relieve some of the discomfort.
For serious or prolonged irritation it may be necessary for a treatment to
be prescribed by your doctor. Prescribed creams or ointments are highly
effective and often contain a combination of local anaesthetic and a
steroid to treat pain, inflammation and itching. You should use your
treatment as directed by your doctor and book another appointment if your
symptoms last for more than seven days.
Your doctor may refer you to hospital for treatment if you do not respond
to treatment or suffer from recurring haemorrhoids. The haemorrhoids can
usually be treated by a doctor in the hospital's out-patient department.
The most common treatments can include placing a rubber band around the
haemorrhoid cutting off the circulation so it withers away, or an
injection of a chemical to shrink it (sclerotherapy). Only really
difficult or severe cases will require surgery.
This factsheet supported by Unigreg Ltd