Piles signs and symptoms - what causes haemorrhoids and how do I treat them?
PILES are swollen veins in and around the anus, but how do you know if you’ve got the common condition? These are the signs and symptoms of haemorrhoids.
Piles symptoms: Haemorrhoids doesn't always have obvious signs
Piles, otherwise known as haemorrhoids, are swellings inside, or around, the anus. The swellings contain inflamed blood vessels.
In most cases, the condition doesn’t have any signs or symptoms, and people don’t even know they have piles.
But, haemorrhoids can cause bleeding, or a mucus discharge after passing a stool.
Other signs of piles include an itchy anus, soreness or swelling around the anus, or lumps hanging outside of the anus.
You should always get any rectal bleeding checked
“See your GP if you have persistent or severe symptoms of haemorrhoids,” said the NHS.
“You should always get any rectal bleeding checked so your doctor can rule out more potentially serious causes.
“The symptoms of haemorrhoids often clear up on their own, or by using simple treatments that can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription.”
Topical creams and tablets can both be bought from pharmacies, or prescribed by the GP, to ease symptoms.
Piles symptoms: Condition can cause bleeding after passing a stool
Piles symptoms: Finding a mucus discharge after passing a stool could be a sign of condition
The condition may be caused by increased pressure in blood vessels, which makes them become swollen and inflamed.
It could also be caused by straining too much on the toilet.
You’re more likely to develop piles if you’re overweight, pregnant, have a family history of haemorrhoids, regularly lifting heavy objects, or sit down for long periods of time.
Piles is more likely to develop as you get older, as the body’s tissues become weaker.
Piles symptoms: Regular exercise could lower risk of condition
Piles symptoms: Boosting your fibre intake could lower chances of haemmorhoids
While haemorrhoids is usually nothing to worry about and disappear after a few days - even without treatment - you can lower your risk of the condition by making simple lifestyle changes.
Increasing the amount of fibre in your diet could reduce your chances of getting piles.
You also shouldn’t delay going to toilet. It can make stools harder and drier, which inevitably leads to straining.
Exercising regularly and avoiding medication that cause constipation may also lower your risk of piles, the NHS said.