Haemorrhoids (piles)
Also called: Hemorrhoids, Piles
Swollen vascular cushions in the anal canal. They commonly cause painless bright red bleeding after passing stool and sometimes itching or a lump.
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Causes
- Straining and raised abdominal pressure
Risk factors
- Constipation
- Pregnancy
- Low-fibre diet
- Prolonged sitting on the toilet
- Heavy lifting
Symptoms
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the pan
- Itching
- Lump that may come out and go back
- Pain if a clot forms (thrombosed haemorrhoid)
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Examination and proctoscopy
- Colonoscopy if bleeding is atypical or age over 50
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Stool softeners and fibre
- Topical soothing creams for short periods
Operations and procedures
- Rubber band ligation
- Sclerotherapy
- Haemorrhoidal artery ligation
- Haemorrhoidectomy for large or recurrent haemorrhoids
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- High-fibre diet and plenty of water
- Do not strain or sit on the toilet for long
- Warm baths for discomfort
Possible complications
- Thrombosis
- Anaemia from chronic bleeding (rare)
Prevention
- Avoid constipation
Outlook
Very common and usually easily treated.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for any rectal bleeding to exclude other causes, especially with a change in bowel habit.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
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