Haemorrhoids (piles)

Haemorrhoids are most commonly referred to as piles. You may also see the condition spelt as 'hemorrhoids'. Caused by varicose veins, haemorrhoids (piles) are blood filled swellings that occur in the anus and around the back passage (internal haemorrhoids). Piles will primarily develop inside the anus (internal haemorrhoids), but constant swelling can also cause them to protrude outside of the anus. These are known as external haemorrhoids.

Piles is an extremely common condition, however it can be embarrassing and the inflammation tender and sometimes painful so many people use treatment to alleviate discomfort and quicken up recovery time.

Many triggers can cause piles and being in such a sensitive area, it is easy for the condition to become inflamed. For these reasons, the exact cause isn't clear. Some factors that increase risk include the below:

• Pregnancy
• If you're over the age of 45
• Constipation and excessive straining when using the toilet
• Chronic diarrhoea
• Obesity

It is possible that constipation and obesity are the main factor in causing piles, but also making the condition worse if it has been provoked by another accompanying factor. As a result, maintaining a healthy diet and following an active lifestyle is advised to minimise the risk of haemorrhoids.

There are a few myths surrounding haemorrhoids and how they are caused as well. For example, sitting on cold surfaces hasn't been proven to cause piles, or make the condition worse. However, sitting for a long period of time or lifting objects often especially if they are heavy, can be a cause of piles, if rare.

If you have piles, you may not find the symptoms too unpleasant and quite manageable, however some common symptoms include:

• Bleeding after the bowels have been emptied
• Discharge after passing stools
• Swelling
• Soreness
• Itching
• Inflammation
• Irritation in and around the back passage
• Urge or feeling like you need to go to the toilet

Although symptoms may clear up in time, treatment will alleviate and ease any discomfort caused by haemorrhoids.

Prescription medication

Popular piles treatments include Scheriproct, Perinal, Anusol-HC, Ultraproct, Uniroid-HC, Proctofoam-HC, Anugesic, Xyloproct and Proctosedyl.

Betnovate can also be used as a treatment for haemorrhoids as well as other inflammatory conditions. Being a high potent treatment however, this medication may be prescribed if other medications have failed to be effective.

These medications are available to order at OnlineClinic with a free consultation and free next day delivery included.

Lifestyle factors

As mentioned, obesity and constipation can be a common factor when prompting the conditions; therefore adjustments to your diet can really help, especially if you experience frequent constipation and/or piles. A diet rich in fibre and fluids, more exercise and laxatives may be the doctor first recommendation for recurrent piles before opting for surgical options.

Surgery

Surgery is always regarded as the last resort with any condition, but if you experience persistent and frequent haemorrhoids, this could be an option. Surgery comes in the form of banding, injections and infrared coagulation. For more information on surgery for treating piles, you can visit the NHS site.

Certain causes and triggers can make piles unavoidable, however there are some tricks that can help:

• Eating a fibre-rich diet
• Reducing your caffeine intake
• Drinking plenty of water
• Exercising
• Opting for treatment before the condition gets worse

At OnlineClinic, you can buy a number of haemorrhoid treatments; these include suppositories for internal piles and creams, lotions and ointments for external piles. The dosages vary and with such a choice, finding a piles solution that works quickly and effectively is highly likely. To order medication in the UK, you must complete a quick consultation to be issued a prescription. Whilst this is traditionally offered through a face-to-face discussion after being approved by your doctor, this can take time and effort, especially if your symptoms are uncomfortable and distracting. At OnlineClinic, we offer this through an online consultation that is reviewed by a certified UK doctor. When ordered before 4.30pm, you will receive your medication the next day.