Tips for identifying symptoms and treating piles.
Good health is something most people take for granted until it’s gone, and even the slightest ailment can disrupt your day and affect your mood. When your body isn’t at its best, it’s hard to focus on anything else, and when you’re suffering from haemorrhoids, you can feel anything from a mild discomfort to outright pain.
Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen veins that develop in the lining of the anus and lower rectum. An increased pressure in the veins causes them to swell in the anus, and piles can appear either just inside the anus, or hang outside at the anal opening.
Being one of the less glamorous ailments out there, many people are embarrassed about it and won’t discuss haemorrhoids with family and friends, or even their GPs. In reality, piles are very common, and even if you consider your bottom the place you don’t speak of, there are things you can do to help identify and treat piles, allowing you to move on quickly.
If you think you might be suffering from haemorrhoids, first check to see if you have any symptoms. Typically, if you’re dealing with piles you’ll experience pain or discomfort while sitting, anal itching, and pain during bowel movements. If your haemorrhoids are more severe, you may experience some bleeding or hard lumps near the anus.
The good news about piles is that in most cases they aren’t severe and clear themselves up with no treatment or some simple home remedies. If you’ve never suffered from haemorrhoids before and are feeling nervous, make an appointment with your doctor and ask them to explain symptoms and causes in more detail.
When it comes to treatment of piles, remedies are fairly straightforward. Start by eating plenty of fibre to help make sure you’re not causing any additional strain during bowel movements. Look for bran cereals and eat figs while you’re snacking at work or on the go. Drink lots of water, and avoid taking painkillers containing codeine as this can cause constipation. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, try relaxing in a warm bath to help soothe the area and keep it clean.
Visit your local pharmacy and pick up an ointment or soothing cream to help make you more comfortable and reduce itching. Many ointments are available without a prescription and are created specifically for the treatment of piles. If you’re not sure what to get, speak to your pharmacist about the different products available, and try to remember that many other people are in each day asking the same questions, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed.
While many people who experience piles see their symptoms clear fairly quickly, if you’re experiencing a more severe case of haemorrhoids around the rectum make an appointment to visit your GP. In extreme cases, there are surgical treatments to remove piles if non-surgical treatments have failed.
If you’re experiencing some discomfort on your derriere, it could be that you’re suffering from piles. By speaking up and taking a proactive approach you can get the problem cleared up and get back to feeling as good as new as quickly as possible.