Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are a far more common problem than you may realise. These swollen blood vessels in and around the anus affect millions of people worldwide, causing embarrassment, discomfort and sometimes significant pain. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that embarrassment should never stop you from getting the help you need to treat your piles.
From dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments to effective natural remedies, we’ll cover a range of strategies to help you manage piles effectively. We’ll also share some success stories and helpful tips that have made a real difference for many sufferers.
If you’re currently dealing with piles or simply want to understand this common condition better, this article will provide you with valuable insights and advice. We’ll explore who’s most at risk of piles, the various types and how they’re diagnosed. More importantly, we’ll discuss natural solutions that can provide relief and improve your quality of life.
Who’s at risk?
Piles don’t discriminate – they can affect anyone. Certain factors, however, can increase your likelihood of developing this condition:
- Pregnancy: The extra weight and pressure on the pelvic area can lead to piles.
- Constipation: Straining during bowel movements puts excessive pressure on the anal area.
- Poor connective tissue: People prone to varicose veins may also be more susceptible to piles.
- Chronic diarrhoea: This can irritate the anus, potentially leading to piles.
- High stress levels: Unmanaged stress can exacerbate the problem significantly.
- Poor diet: Lack of fibre can cause straining during bowel movements.
- Being overweight: Extra weight increases pressure on the anal area.
- Heavy lifting: This can put strain on the anal region.
Signs and types of piles
Recognising the signs of piles is important for early intervention and effective management. Discomfort is a key sign. You might experience a feeling of fullness, itching, or irritation in the anal area. Some people describe a dull aching pain or a sensation of something protruding from the anus. In more severe cases, sitting for prolonged periods or even walking can become uncomfortable.
Piles can be categorised into different types based on their location and severity. Internal piles develop inside the rectum. They can prolapse or protrude outside the anus, especially during bowel movements, which may cause discomfort.
External piles form under the skin around the anus and can be more painful due to the presence of sensitive nerve endings. These may appear as small, firm bumps and can sometimes develop blood clots, a condition known as thrombosed haemorrhoids, which can be particularly painful.
Prolapsed piles are internal haemorrhoids that have pushed through the anal opening. These can cause a lot of discomfort and may require manual repositioning. Piles can also be associated with anal fissures. A fissure is a tear in skin around the anus which can bleed, get infected and also become very painful.
Some people experience a combination of these types. After piles have healed, they can sometimes leave behind skin tags – small, painless, skin-coloured flaps that remain where the haemorrhoid was.
When to see a doctor
While many cases of piles can be managed at home, it’s important to seek medical advice if you experience persistent bleeding or severe pain or if home treatments aren’t providing relief.
Piles are unlikely to be life-threatening, but they can affect your quality of life if left untreated. The symptoms can also be indicative of a more serious problem like bowel cancer or inflammatory disease, so it is always best to be checked by a healthcare professional.
Your doctor can diagnose piles with a visual and, if necessary, physical examination. Depending on your risk factors for gastrointestinal disease, your doctor may order further tests like a colonoscopy to rule out other diseases.
Treatment options
The most important aspect of treating your piles is addressing the underlying cause.
- Improve your diet: Increase your fibre intake, keep your bowel regular and make stool softer and easier to pass by eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and raw seeds. Processed food, fast food, white flour and red meat can cause constipation and a host of other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fresh, filtered water. This will help to soften stools.
- Adjust your medication: Some medications and supplements can cause constipation. Common over-the-counter heartburn remedies are particularly bad for gut health if used regularly. Speak to your healthcare provider about adjusting or changing medications that are causing gastric problems.
- Maintain regular bowel habits: Don’t strain when sitting on the loo. Only go when you feel you need to pass a stool.
- Manage stress: High stress levels can exacerbate piles.
- Avoid heavy lifting: Straining the abdomen from heavy lifting in the workplace or in the gym can be associated with the development of piles.
Another simple yet effective remedy is ice. A clever trick is to fill a condom with water, freeze it, and use it as a cold compress between the buttocks (externally only) to reduce swelling and provide relief.
Always wash the anal area thoroughly with soap and water after bowel movements. Using a handheld shower is effective, as you can cleanse with cool water and reduce inflammation.
A.Vogel Anucare changes lives
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A.Vogel Anucare is a popular remedy for piles, currently available in South Africa and Namibia. The secret to A.Vogel Anucare’s effectiveness is the combination of ingredients, each treating a different symptom of piles. This homeopathic medicine treats congestion and swelling of the rectal veins to relieve the common symptoms of piles. |
Many people have found relief using A.Vogel Anucare.
A local pharmacist sells many bottles of Anucare each month. When asked about the high demand, he revealed that he had never been a believer in natural medicine, despite offering it to his customers. After suffering from piles himself, however, he decided to try Anucare out of desperation. After using just one bottle, he was so impressed that he now confidently recommends it to anyone with piles.
A gentleman from Bloemfontein contacted the helpline early one morning, looking for help for painful bleeding piles. After a brief consultation, he was advised to try Anucare, taking it hourly throughout the day and reducing the dosage as his symptoms improved. The very next morning, he called back to express his gratitude, amazed by how quickly Anucare had relieved his symptoms at such a low cost.
Don’t suffer in silence
You may feel embarrassed to seek help for piles, but it’s important to remember that this is a common condition. Don’t hesitate to speak to a healthcare professional for advice and treatment options.
While piles can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, they are manageable with the right approach. Making simple lifestyle changes, maintaining good hygiene, and using A.Vogel Anucare will help you keep piles at bay.
References and additional reading:
- 36 ways to reduce piles (haemorrhoids) (no date) King Edward VII’s Hospital. Available at: https://www.kingedwardvii.co.uk/health-hub/36-ways-to-reduce-piles-haemorrhoids
- Best ways to get rid of hemorrhoids at home (2024) Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoids (2023) Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
- Piles (haemorrhoids) (no date) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/
- Solan, M. (2024) Natural remedies for hemorrhoids, Harvard Health. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/natural-remedies-for-hemorrhoid-2021022321942