Haemorrhoids are varicose veins located in or around the anus. Haemorrhoids can be bothersome and certain conditions like trauma during childbirth, excess weight during pregnancy, obesity and anal intercourse can cause it to swell. Bleed or get irritated.

External haemorrhoids are located under the skin outside the anus and internal haemorrhoids are varicose veins that surround the rectum. Thrombosed haemorrhoids have to be treated immediately; otherwise most other types can be treated at home just by maintaining proper hygiene.

Symptoms of haemorrhoids

• Pain and pressure in the anal canal
• Lump in the anus
• Itching and soreness around the anus
• Blood on underwear, toilet paper or stools

Causes of haemorrhoids

Repeated pressure and strain cause haemorrhoids. This may be caused due to frequent constipation, diarrhoea, straining while passing stools, pregnancy or cirrhosis of liver.

How are haemorrhoids diagnosed?

An explanation of your symptoms is usually enough to find the disease. An examination may determine if there are external haemorrhoids or bulging haemorrhoids. An anoscope may be used to check for its presence inside the anal canal. Your sigmoid colon and rectum may also be checked for the presence of haemorrhoids.

How to prevent haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids can be prevented by keeping bowel movements regular and stools soft. You should also try to avoid constipation, prolonged standing, heavy lifting and chronic coughing.

How is haemorrhoids treated

Warm tub baths several times a day in plain or warm water for 10 minutes. Application of haemorrhoidal cream or suppository to the affected area also helps get relief.

In acute cases, haemorrhoids must be treated surgically. Surgery is performed at the hospital by shrinking or destroying haemorrhoidal tissue. Internal haemorrhoids can be treated in various ways:

• Rubber band ligation- A rubber band is placed around the base of haemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation causing the haemorrhoid to wither away.

• Sclerotherapy- A chemical solution is injected to shrink the haemorrhoid

• Infrared coagulation- A special device is used to burn haemorrhoidal tissue

• Haemorrhoidectomy- The surgery for removal of internal or external haemorrhoids is haemorrhoidectomy

The other precautions are to increase fibre content in your diet. You should include fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Five to ten servings of fruits and vegetables are recommended each day. Fibre supplements are also useful. Over the counter stool softeners and laxatives must be used sparingly. Exercise regularly, even walking is of great help to improve the normal flow of material through the intestine. Empty bowels immediately as soon as you have the urge to do so. Gently clean the affected area after each bowel movement. Alternate between warm baths and cold icepacks to see which brings you the most relief. Sleep on your side and not on your back. Doing pelvic floor exercises daily can also help. Pregnant women are more likely to develop haemorrhoids which disappear on their own after pregnancy. If your efforts don’t help or of you notice excessive bleeding or itchiness consult your doctor.