Healing Hemorrhoids

How to prevent and treat those pesky piles.

- Samantha Rideout

 

HEMORRHOIDS—swollen veins near the anus and inside the rectum, also known as piles—are so common they’re a pain in the butt, literally, for more than 75 per cent of people aged 45 and older. e most commonly noticed symptom is blood in the stool, but hemorrhoids can also cause itching, discomfort, swelling or a hard, hurting lump. e problem is caused by pressure on the rectal veins because of constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy or excessive straining during bowel movements.