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Haemorrhoids (piles)

Haemorrhoids (piles)
Average rating: 4 out of 5 star rating

goodtoknow says: Piles, as haemorrhoids are often called, are very common. Half of us will get them at some time. They're swollen veins in the lining of your anus, that can drop outside and can sometimes bleed and cause itching. Straining when going to the loo can cause piles and you're more likely to get them if you're overweight or pregnant. To prevent piles drink lots of fluids and eat a high fibre diet to avoid constipation. Ask your chemist for a haemorrhoid cream to soothe them.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of haemorrhoids or piles from patient.co.uk, read on.

Haemorrhoids (piles) are swellings of the lining of the anus and lower rectum (back passage). Symptoms range from temporary and mild, to persistent and painful. Treatment is usually effective.

What causes haemorrhoids?

There is a network of small veins (blood vessels) in the lining of the back passage (anus and lower rectum). It is thought that these veins become wider and swollen with blood if the pressure in and around them is increased. The veins and the overlying tissue may then form into one or more small swellings called haemorrhoids.

About half the people in the UK develop one or more haemorrhoids at some stage. Many develop for no apparent reason. Certain situations increase the risk of them developing.

  • A common reason for haemorrhoids to develop is because of constipation, passing large stools (faeces), and straining at the toilet. These increase the pressure around the veins in the back passage.
  • Haemorrhoids are common during pregnancy due to pressure effects of the baby, and the hormone effects on the veins.pil

Average rating:

4 out of 5 star rating

Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below

Soni, 2 months

Hi, my father has developed piles and when he bled for the first time, he became very weak, lost all energy. it was only after this episode that he began to experience lower back muscle pain. This effect lessens to some small extent, but would re occur on sitting upright on a hard chair, walking for some 15-20 min. Pls reply or comment

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may sheilds, about 1 year

I have been diagnosed with piles but every few weeks or so i get a excruciating pain in my back passage it usualy wakens me out of my sleep or if im awake i cant move with it for up till a minute, then during the day my stomach would get sore and last for a few days. can u tell me is this related to this same condition?

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tallie sep, about 1 year

how can i avoid passing very large stools?

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dorothy wells, about 1 year

can piles cause lower back pain i suffer of low back pain and follow with bleeding piles which is very painful it also effect the side and under the belly very painful indeed

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Abie Hartnoll, about 1 year

i have piles what shall i do?? they really hurt me and i am only thirteen please help me

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noo, over 2 years

i need more information

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