HAEMORRHOIDS - CAUSES

In general, anything that causes frequent, sustained increase in pressure in the ano-rectal region, can cause haemorrhoids to develop. They include:

• Spending a long time sitting or squatting during defaecation.

• Excessive straining due to constipation.

• Pregnancy and childbirth.

• Obesity

• Portal Hypertension – causing increased back pressure to the rectal veins.

HAEMORRHOIDS - PREVENTION

Ensure you drink sufficient fluids, take in more fibre, exercise and establish regular bowel movement habits, all to help prevent constipation. This is especially so during advanced pregnancy. Sometimes, medication may be required to ensure smooth passage of stools.

Do not spend too long sitting at the toilet bowl during defaecation. Be as efficient as possible.

There is some evidence which suggests that squatting commodes are better than the sitting ones in reducing or preventing haemorrhoids.

HAEMORRHOIDS - DIAGNOSIS

Haemorrhoids can be diagnosed via a thorough physical examination by your doctor. External haemorrhoids may be clearly visible. Internal hemorrhoids require insertion of a proctoscope for visualization, as being soft, internal piles cannot be felt by an examining finger.

It is worth remembering that not all bleeding during defaecation is due to piles. It may be a sign of something more sinister, such as colon cancer, which may co-exist or exist independently of piles. Hence, your doctor may advise for you to have a colonoscopy to exclude more serious conditions in your colon, if you have:

• Signs and symptoms of a more sinister cause

• Risk factors for colon cancer, such a a positive family history

• You are above 50 years of age (or younger in high risk groups) presenting with rectal bleeding

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