Haemorrhoids (or piles) are enlarged blood vessels inside or around the bottom (anus and lower rectum).
Causes
- Poor diet (lack of fibre intake)
- Constipation, therefore excessive straining on the toilet
- Being overweight/obese
- Regular lifting of heavy objects
- Persistent vomiting or cough
- Long periods of sitting down
- Age – as you get older your body’s supporting tissues get weaker
- Pregnancy can increase pressure on pelvic blood vessels
- Family history
What are the symptoms?
Treatment options
- Rafaelo – find out more by clicking here [needs link]
- HALO – click here to find out more [needs link]
- Banding – a tight elastic band will be placed around your haemorrhoids, cutting off their blood supply. The procedure only takes a few minutes and isn’t painful. The haemorrhoids should then fall off within a week of treatment.
- Open haemorrhoidectomy – this involves cutting out the haemorrhoids by gently opening the anus.
Useful Resources
NHS Choices – Haemorrhoids https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/