People with haemorrhoids or piles may see any of the following:
- Fissures or lumps in the anal area
- Itchiness around the anus
- Bright red blood in the stools or on toilet paper
- Mucous discharge and pain during bowel movements
There is no cure for haemorrhoids as such, but they can be managed by changes to diet and lifestyle and quite often do not need surgical intervention. Some natural remedies for haemorrhoids are listed below:
- Get plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Add foods containing fiber, such as whole grain foods and fruit and vegetables to your diet gradually over several weeks
- Reduce the intake of spicy foods.
- Apply petroleum jelly, witch hazel or zinc oxide to the outer area.
- Sit with your knees raised in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes at least 3 times a day
- Try not to lift heavy objects
- You can also take a supplement called Rutin. This is a bioflavonoid that helps strengthen the capillary system.
- Try and walk around for five minutes after every hour of sitting continuously.
- Try not to sit for long hours at a stretch. If your job involves sitting for long periods of time use an inflatable doughnut to relieve the pressure.
- Use moistened toilet paper to wipe the area.
- Take a fiber supplement such as psyllium husk
These measures may help reduce the pain and swelling associated with piles and may also be helpful in preventing a recurrence of the problem.
answered by S E