Also known as piles, these are swollen, protruding veins around the anus. They are a type of varicose vein which can lie inside the rectum or outside. Symptoms and signs include itching and pain and sometimes bleeding when motions are passed. Hemorrhoids often occur in pregnancy or as a result of constipation or lifting a heavy object. Any continuous bleeding from the anus warrants a medical checkup.

Prevention

Hemorrhoids are rarely seen in countries where a high fibre, unrefined diet is the norm. Increasing intake of fibre by eating wholegrain cereals, fruit, vegetables, and low fat protein will help prevent hemorrhoids.

Treatment - Practical Advice

Try to establish a regular routine to empty the bowels, and never resist or delay the urge to go to the toilet. Use soft toilet paper or moist wipes to avoid irritating the hemorrhoids. Always wash and dry the area carefully after a bowel movement, finishing any wash or spray with cold water. Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: These occur due to the increasing pressure of the uterus on the vessels which drain the hemorrhoid veins. To relieve the pressure, lie on your left side for 20 minutes every 2-4 hours.

Dietary

The following recommendations will help relieve constipation, the major cause of hemorrhoids:

Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Introduce more fibre into your diet, found in bran, oats wholegrain breads and cereals, vegetables and fruits, cooked dried beans and peas. Avoid coffee, strong spices, beer and cola, as these can increase irritation.

Herbal

Daub the hemorrhoids with witch hazel solution (particularly good if they have a tendency to bleed). Pilewort ointment: simmer 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried herb in 200 g of vaseline for 10 minutes, strain and pour liquid into a container. Apply to hemorrhoids at least 2 times daily.

Homeopathy

3 times daily for up to 4 days and repeat if necessary:

Feels like splinters of broken glass in the rectum on passing a stool: Ratanhia 6c. Bruised and sore with a congested bursting feeling: Hamamelis 6c. Sensation of a ball in the rectum, tendency to prolapse, worse during pregnancy: Sepia 6c. Hot, burning and itching, worse from getting overheated: Sulphur 6c.

Hydrotherapy

Sit in a warm bath to which 4 drops of both essential oil of peppermint and cypress have been added, with 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda.

Massage

To help relieve constipation the following routine should be carried out first thing in the morning, before eating:

Lie down and oil hands lightly. Place one hand over the other, keeping the fingers flat begin by pressing down about 1 inch into the abdomen at in the left corner at 1. Make small slow circles. Move up a little and repeat. Continue with the same procedure up the left side, across above the umbilicus (including the corners under the ribcage), and down the right side. Then make large slow sweeping strokes along the path just covered, but going in the reverse direction. Repeat several times.

Orthodox

Rectal suppositories and creams containing corticosteroid and painkilling drugs are given to relieve discomfort. Hemorrhoids are sometimes removed surgically, or may be injected with a sclerosing agent which effectively seals them off and allows them to shrivel up naturally.