The signs, symptoms and causes of haemorrhoids

1. The signs, symptoms and causes of haemorrhoids Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum that are similar to varicose veins. While experts haven’t reached a consensus on the more scientific causes of haemorrhoids, risk factors range from straining during bowel movements to regular heavy lifting.

2. Haemorrhoids tend to be quite common but the symptoms aren’t always obvious. They can become an issue when the swollen veins cause itching, pain or bleeding.  Haemorrhoids can either be internal or external. Internal haemorrhoids may develop within the anus or rectum and external haemorrhoids outside of the anus. In Australia, symptomatic haemorrhoids are thought to affect at least 50% of the population at some time during their lives and around 5% of the population at any given time.

3. Symptoms In most cases, the symptoms of haemorrhoids may not be serious and may resolve on their own. If you have haemorrhoids, you may experience a range of symptoms, which include: A hard, possibly painful, lump around the anus. The feeling that your bowels are full even after passing stool. Visible, bright red blood in your stool. Itchy, red, and sore skin around the anus. Pain during bowel movements.  Haemorrhoids can escalate into a more severe condition. In this case, you may experience other symptoms, which include: Excessive anal bleeding – possibly leading to anaemia Infection Faecal incontinence or an inability to control bowel movements Anal fistula – the creation of a new channel between the surface of the skin near the anus and inside the anus A strangulated haemorrhoid where the blood supply to the haemorrhoid is cut off (this causes complications including an infection or a blood clot)

4. The causes of haemorrhoids may be due to increased pressure in the lower rectum. Experts say that genetics could be one of the causes of haemorrhoids and some argue that it may be due to strenuous activities you do on a daily basis.  Certain studies even suggest that standing too much without taking a break to sit, anal sexual intercourse, and/or diarrhoea can be one of the causes of haemorrhoids. If not, these behaviours may increase your risk of developing haemorrhoids. According to experts, common causes of haemorrhoids include: A family history of haemorrhoids Straining during bowel movements Sitting for a long time on the toilet Having chronic diarrhoea or constipation Obesity Pregnancy Maintaining a low-fibre diet Regular heavy lifting Colon cancer Prior rectal surgery Spinal cord injury or a lack of erect posture

5. Sydney Gut Clinic Sydney Gut Clinic is an expert team focused on Gastrointestinal health, care and management. Our team are highly trained, with extensive experience and an excellent manner, making them approachable and easy to understand. Sydney Gut Clinic is located in one of Sydney’s newest private day hospitals, Alexandria Specialist Day Hospital. Phone : 0291312111 Email : reception@sydneygutclinic.com Opening Hours : Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm Suite 01, Level 04, 15 Bowden St, Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia