Piles

Haemorrhoids (often known as Piles) are enlarged and engorged blood vessels in or around the back passage (anus). You may notice a pain, itch, or ache around the anus and lower bowel (rectum), which can be really quite severe. There may be bleeding from the back passage. This will be bright red blood, not usually mixed in with the motion, but often seen on the toilet paper. There is often a feeling of something coming down, or a bulge or lump at the anus. If a haemorrhoid at the outside of the anus gets a blood clot in it (thrombosed external pile) it leads to a particularly tender, hardish lump.
Haemorrhoids are very common, especially in countries where the diet has traditionally been more processed and low in fibre. The main contributory causes are those things that cause us to raise the pressure in the abdomen, such as those chronically straining with constipation, overweight people, and people with heavy lifting jobs. This causes the blood vessels to swell and become engorged.

As implied above, useful aspects of prevention are:
* Avoid becoming overweight, and lose weight if you are.
* Eat a high fibre diet
* Exercise regularly

It is usually best, with haemorrhoids, to get by with the least treatment possible, as even after the most extensive treatments they may still return. Many times they will settle down over a matter of days without any treatment. But the majority of patients with mild haemorrhoidal symptoms would be more appropriately treated by fibre supplements, life-style changes and possibly apply cream or suppositories, bullet-shaped tablets to be inserted into the anus, may be bought over the counter. These soothe itching and pain, and cause swelling and bleeding to diminish. Cold compresses, even ice can be helpful. If you do not get better with these approaches, then you should see your doctor.