Piles: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Haemorrhoids, or piles as the condition is commonly known, is an irritating condition that affects many people in the UK. They appear in various stages and can therefore be treated in several ways, from treating yourself at home to visiting the GP and getting help there.



Piles are identified as swellings inside the anal canal. Although this is where the swellings form, in more advanced stages of the condition the piles can stick out or even hang out of the anus, which can be very uncomfortable for the sufferer. Symptoms of piles include painless bleeding from the anus, which occurs when you have a bowel movement and blood is found in the toilet bowl or on the paper, discharge of slimy mucus, itchy skin and/or swelling around the anus, a lump on the anus, and, in the case of external piles, pain after a bowel movement. It should be noted that even if you have some of these symptoms the cause may not be piles; if you are unsure you should check with your doctor.



Why piles occur isn’t exactly clear, yet, though there is a theory that they are caused by a weakness in the tissue connecting the anal cushions to the layers of muscle beneath them. This weakness, when combined with straining to pass hard bowel movements, can move the anal cushions down the rectum. Although doctors aren’t positive this is what happens when piles occur, there are certain ways you can be more likely to develop them. If you eat a low fibre diet, if you are pregnant, if you have a weakness in your rectum as described above, if you strain to have a bowel movement as in constipation and simply if you are older your chances of getting piles are higher. This means that eating a high fibre diet and taking medication while constipated can help prevent them.

Piles are treated at home and in the doctor’s office. You can self treat by taking frequent warm baths and avoiding any strain while having a bowel movement. Fibre supplements can also help treat piles, as well as mild laxatives that will soften the stool. There are also soothing creams and ointments to ease the pain and reduce the swelling. Non-surgical treatments are available from your doctor such as banding and sclerotherapy. Surgical treatments can be used on more serious cases.



Haemorrhoids are an unpleasant condition but they can be treated and prevented. Just eat plenty of fibre and drink lots of water and you’ll reduce your chance of getting pilesfrom the outset. If you do get piles, however, don’t panic – lots of help is available so you can get better and back to your usual routine quickly.



The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Bupa. The contents of this article are of a general nature only and do not constitute specific advice.  This article does not take into account your circumstances or needs and must not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice.