HAEMORRHOIDS

Haemorrhoids or commonly known as piles are bulging and enlarged veins in and around the rectum or anal region. Haemorrhoids can be internal or external in relation to the anal orifice. They are called intero-external when both types are present. The external piles are covered by skin and the internal piles are lined by mucous membrane.

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Cause
Risk Factors
Signs and Symptoms
Treatment
If You Have Piles
Personal Hygiene
When To See A Doctor

Cause

Haemorrhoids occur due to weakness of the walls of the vein and weakness of the valves in the vein.

Risk Factors

You have an increased risk of developing piles if you:-
v Have a family history of piles
v Are pregnant
v Are suffering from excessive and chronic coughing
v Strain while emptying your bowels -This is one of the most common reasons for piles.

Signs and Symptoms

v Soft lump or lumps felt around the anus.
v Itching and burning sensation around the anus.
v Bleeding, fresh blood especially after or during defecation.
v Pain, if complication set in

Treatment

v Local anaesthetics for temporary relief of pain.
v Lubricants are applied to the anal region.
v Vasoconstrictors – drugs which cause constriction of blood vessels, especially the swollen
    Haemorrhoids.
v Astringents – coagulate the protein in skin cells thereby forming a protective layer over the
    underlying tissue.
v For prolapsed piles (ie the piles protrude out of the anus), the treatment is usually by
    surgery.

If You Have Piles

v Use medication as recommended by your doctor.
v If you have internal piles use suppositories.
v Prevent constipation by taking a lot of fibre-rich foods e.g. vegetables and fruits.
v Drink plenty of fluids.
v Use mild laxatives, when advised by your doctor.
v Exercise regularly to prevent constipation.

Personal Hygiene

v Clean the anal region after every bowel discharge.
v Clean by flushing with lukewarm water.
v Do not use soap for cleaning as it irritates the delicate mucous membrane.
v Push protruding Haemorrhoids gently back into the rectum.
v Take a warm sitz bath (that soothes the discomfort and irritation) using salt water (saline).

When To See A Doctor

v If you have had piles for more the 3 months.
v Severe and persistent bleeding.
v Severe and sharp pain during defecation (may indicate anal fissure or tear)
v Prolapsed piles that cannot be pushed back.
v Leaking of feces or mucus due to defective and sphincter.