Treating Haemorrhoids/Piles

What are Haemorrhoids or Piles? There are a number of possible causes of haemorrhoids... For example insufficient hydration caused by not drinking enough water, or by drinking too much diuretic liquid such as coffee or cola, which can cause a hard stool leading to haemorrhoidal irritation. The excessive consumption of milk products such as cheese can cause an excess of lactic acid in the stool. This in turn can cause irritation and a reduction of consumption can bring relief. Vitamin E deficiency is also a common cause. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause diarrhoea, which in turn can cause haemorrhoidal irritation. Practitioners often warn against consuming excessive spicy and greasy foods when haemorrhoids flare up.

Common Symptoms Common symptoms of haemorrhoids include itching, pain or ache around the anus and lower bowel (rectum), which can be really quite severe. There may be bleeding from the back passage. This will be bright red blood, not usually mixed in with the motion, but often seen on the toilet paper. There is often a feeling of something coming down, or a bulge or lump at the anus. If a haemorrhoid at the outside of the anus gets a blood clot in it (thrombosed external pile) it leads to a particularly tender, hardish lump. Haemorrhoids may prevent the anus from shutting properly, resulting in mucus discharge. It is most important that any bleeding from the rectum is reported to your doctor, even if you know you have haemorrhoids because it is possible the bleeding may be due to other more serious causes.

Treatments for Haemorrhoids or Piles? Patients should increase their fibre and fluid intake to avoid constipation, and bulk laxatives such as Fybogel, Isogel or Regulan, can be taken if necessary. Good toilet hygiene is essential to minimise itching and irritation. Moist or antiseptic toilet tissue can help such as Germoloids Soothing Wipes. Over-the-counter products usually contain a combination of a local anaesthetic, an antiseptic and an astringent to contract the swelling such as Lanacane Cream and Germoloids Ointment. Creams and ointments containing Hydrocortisone such as Anusol HC Ointment and Germoloids HC Spray help to relieve the symptoms of both internal and external haemorrhoids. Although Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation it should not be used for more than seven days or in pregnant women or anyone under 18. Suppositories can be recommended for internal haemorrhoids such as Germoloids Suppositories. Preparations should be used morning and night and after every bowel movement.

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