What are haemorrhoids (piles)?
Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins located around your anus or in your lower rectum. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).
How common are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are very common. Approximately half of adults over the age of 50 experience haemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
What causes haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids develop due to increased pressure on the veins in the rectal area. Common causes include straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting on the toilet, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, pregnancy, obesity, and frequently lifting heavy objects.
What are the symptoms of haemorrhoids?
- Internal haemorrhoids may cause bright red blood on toilet paper or in the stool, but usually no pain unless they prolapse.
- External haemorrhoids can cause itching, irritation, pain (especially when sitting), swelling around the anus, and a lump near the anus.
- Thrombosed haemorrhoids are typically very painful and appear as a purple/blue lump.
Are haemorrhoids dangerous?
While often painful and uncomfortable, haemorrhoids are generally not dangerous. However, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions like colorectal cancer.
How Can I Treat Haemorrhoids at Home?
- Eating a high-fibre diet
- Drinking plenty of water
- Using over-the-counter creams or suppositories
- Taking warm sitz baths
- Avoiding prolonged sitting or straining during bowel movements
When Should I See a Doctor About My Haemorrhoids?
Seek medical attention if you experience excessive or persistent bleeding, severe pain or swelling, worsening symptoms despite home treatments, or changes in bowel habits.
What Medical Treatments Are Available?
- Rubber band ligation — cutting off blood supply to the haemorrhoid
- Sclerotherapy — injecting a solution to shrink the haemorrhoid
- Infrared coagulation — using heat to treat the haemorrhoid
- Surgical haemorrhoidectomy — surgical removal in severe cases
How Can I Prevent Haemorrhoids?
Maintain a high-fibre diet, stay well-hydrated, exercise regularly, avoid prolonged sitting, and respond promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement.
If you are experiencing persistent piles symptoms, Dr Jonathan Foo at Aeden Health specialises in piles treatment and colorectal surgery. Book a consultation at our Mount Elizabeth Orchard or Novena clinic.