Coping with HAEMORRHOIDS

Also known as piles, they are swollen veins inside the rectum or around the anus

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We all have veins in this area but typically don't notice them unless they swell, when they may cause pain, anal itching and bleeding. Haemorrhoids are caused by too much pressure on the veins in your anus or rectum, as well as irregular bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, straining to lift heavy objects/ weightlifting, sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods or pushing too hard, pregnancy, being overweight/obese, or eating a low-fibre diet.

Haemorrhoids affect people of all ages, races and ethnicities, and are more common as you age, affecting more than half of people aged over 50. Internal haemorrhoids in the rectum rarely cause pain (you may be unaware of them, as usually they can't be felt), unless they prolapse or bulge outside of the anus, sometimes causing bleeding and pain. If a small internal haemorrhoid prolapses through your anus, you may be able to gently push it back inside.

'External' haemorrhoids, where veins swell underneath the skin around the anus and usually can be seen or felt as small lumps, may be itchy, aching, painful or occasionally bleed when you wipe.