Dr Dulcy gives health advice

HAEMORRHOIDS: CAN BE INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL, BUT BOTH CAUSE PROBLEMS

Blood clots can form in prolapsed external piles causing a painful thrombosis.

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. The haemorrhoidal veins are located in the lowest area of the rectum and the anus. About half of the adult population have experienced the symptoms of haemorrhoids by the age of 50. Haemorrhoids can either be internal or external.

Internal haemorrhoids develop within the anus or rectum. Internal haemorrhoids lie far enough inside the rectum that you can’t see or feel them. They don’t usually hurt because there are few pain-sensing nerves in the rectum. Bleeding may be the only sign they’re there. Sometimes, though, they “prolapse,” or enlarge and protrude outside the anal sphincter. When this happens, you may be able to see or feel them as moist, pink pads of skin that are pinker than the surrounding area. Prolapsed haemorrhoids may hurt because the anus is dense with pain-sensing nerves. They usually go back into the rectum on their own. If they don’t, they can often be gently pushed back into place.

External haemorrhoids develop outside of the anus. The external haemorrhoids are the most common and the most troublesome. They cause pain, severe itching, lower abdominal bleeding and difficulty sitting. If they move, or prolapse, to the outside (usually when you have a bowel movement), you can see and feel it. Blood clots sometimes form within prolapsed external haemorrhoids, causing a very painful condition called a thrombosis. If that happens, the haemorrhoid can turn purple or blue, and could possibly bleed. It’s usually not serious.

Most people can get relief from symptoms by using home treatments and making lifestyle changes.

Bleeding during defecation is the most common sign of haemorrhoids. But there are other causes of rectal bleeding like colorectal cancer and anal cancer. Don’t assume that bleeding is coming from haemorrhoids without consulting a doctor. Also, consider seeking medical advice if your haemorrhoids cause pain, bleed frequently or excessively, or don’t improve with home remedies. If your haemorrhoid symptoms began along with a change in bowel habits, or if you’re passing black, tarry or maroon stools, blood clots, or blood mixed in with the stool, consult your doctor immediately.