Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are inflamed veins located inside or outside of your anus (the opening that allows stool to pass out of the body). They are similar to the varicose veins that may appear on your legs. Haemorrhoids are often painful or itchy.
Haemorrhoids are a very common condition — they affect as many as 75% of people at some point throughout their lives. However, they can often be treated and prevented with simple home remedies.
External haemorrhoids develop near your anus. They may lead to:
Internal haemorrhoids occur inside your rectum (the end of your large intestine that connects to your anus). They often don’t lead to any symptoms, although you may notice rectal bleeding, itching, or skin irritation.
Rarely, the swollen vein that makes up an internal haemorrhoid may push through your anus, becoming prolapsed. A prolapsed haemorrhoid is usually painful.
Haemorrhoid symptoms can also be caused by other serious medical conditions such as colon cancer, so it is important to tell your doctor when symptoms arise.
Usually, doctors don’t know the specific cause of haemorrhoids. In general, they are thought to develop when your pelvis is put under extra pressure. This may occur due to risk factors like:
You are also more likely to get haemorrhoids as you get older. Additionally, heart disease, liver disease, and other ongoing health conditions may increase your risk.
If you have haemorrhoid symptoms, your doctor may examine your rectum and anus to look for swelling. They may use a gloved finger or a special tool to see into your rectum. Your doctor may also perform other tests to look for health conditions that cause similar symptoms.
You often don’t need to treat external haemorrhoids — they tend to go away on their own. You can use various remedies to relieve symptoms:
If home remedies don’t heal your haemorrhoid after one week, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. Minor procedures can help cut off blood to the swollen vein and remove the haemorrhoid. Your doctor may suggest placing elastic bands around the haemorrhoid (rubber band ligation), injecting chemicals into the vein (sclerotherapy) or using light or heat to damage the haemorrhoid (coagulation).
Haemorrhoids that are very large or cause extreme pain may need to be surgically removed. Surgery is not often necessary, but it can be very successful.
Avoiding straining when going to the bathroom is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of haemorrhoids. To promote healthy bowel movements, try:
These prevention tips may also improve your well-being while treating haemorrhoids.