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On Health Society, we divulge on the health issue of Piles alternatively known as Haemorrhoids. On this week's we take focus on what are Piles, the causes, do's and dont's 

We also learn on what should be done to avert experiencing piles

What are Piles??

Piles (haemorrhoids) are lumps inside and around your bottom (anus). They often get better on their own after a few days. There are things you can do to treat and prevent piles.

Check if it's piles

Symptoms of piles include:

bright red blood after you poo

an itchy anus

feeling like you still need to poo after going to the toilet

mucus in your underwear or on toilet paper after wiping your bottom

lumps around your anus

pain around your anus

See what piles look like

How you can treat or prevent piles

Do:

drink lots of fluid and eat plenty of fibre to keep your poo soft

wipe your bottom with damp toilet paper

take paracetamol if piles hurt

take a warm bath to ease itching and pain

use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to ease discomfort

gently push a pile back inside

keep your bottom clean and dry

exercise regularly

cut down on alcohol and caffeine (like tea, coffee and cola) to avoid constipation

Don’t:

do not wipe your bottom too hard after you poo

do not ignore the urge to poo

do not push too hard when pooing

do not take painkillers that contain codeine, as they can cause constipation

do not take ibuprofen if your piles are bleeding

do not spend more time than you need to on the toilet

Ask a pharmacist about treatment for piles

A pharmacist can suggest:

creams to ease the pain, itching and swelling

treatment to help constipation and soften poo

cold packs to ease discomfort

Many pharmacies have private areas if you do not want to be overheard.

Find a pharmacy

Non-urgent advice:See a GP if:

you have symptoms of piles and they're getting worse or there's no improvement after 7 days of treatment at home

you keep getting piles

you notice a change around your anus that is not normal for you

The GP may prescribe stronger medicines for piles or constipation. They may also check your symptoms are not being caused by something else.

 if:

you have piles and your temperature is very high or you feel hot and shivery and generally unwell

you have pus leaking from your piles

Hospital treatment for piles

If there's no improvement to your piles after home treatments, you may need hospital treatment.

Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. Treatment does not always prevent piles coming back.

Treatment without surgery

Common hospital treatments include:

• rubber band ligation: a band is placed around your piles to make them drop off

sclerotherapy: a liquid is injected into your piles to make them shrink

electrotherapy: a gentle electric current is applied to your piles to make them shrink

• infrared coagulation: an infrared light is used to cut the blood supply to your piles to make them shrink

You'll be awake for this type of treatment, but the area will be numbed.

You should be able to go home on the same day.

If these treatments do not work, you may need surgery to remove your piles.

Surgery

Surgical treatments include:

• haemorrhoidectomy: your piles are cut out

stapled haemorrhoidopexy: your piles are stapled back inside your anus

• haemorrhoidal artery ligation: stitches are used to cut the blood supply to your piles to make them shrink

You'll usually need to be asleep for this type of treatment and may need to stay in hospital for more than 1 day.

Information provided by:  NIHS

Disclaimer: For medical advice, please consult your healthcare provider

 

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