Healing Haemorrhoids

Piles is a rather common pain in the butt. Here’s how to prevent and treat them

- Samantha Rideout

HAEMORRHOIDS—swollen veins near the anus and inside the rectum, also known as piles—are so common they’re a pain in the butt, literally, especially for people aged 45 and older. The most commonly noticed symptom is blood in the stool, but haemorrhoids can also cause itching, discomfort, swelling or a hard, hurting lump. The problem is caused by pressure on the rectal veins because of constipation, diarrhoea, pregnancy or excessive straining during bowel movements. Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities can also result in haemorrhoids, while a high body mass index (BMI) is considered an independent risk factor.