PP
1
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Mild severity
· Gastroenterology
Hemorrhoids
Piles · Swollen anal veins
Swollen blood vessels in or around the anus, often from straining. Most cases settle with fibre and creams; severe ones need procedures.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Half of adults over 50
- Typical age
- Adults
- Outlook
- Manageable, curable
- System
- Gut
Reviewed by a verified Gastroenterology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Chronic constipation, straining
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged sitting on toilet
- Low-fibre diet
- Obesity
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Bright red blood with stool
- Anal itching
- Lump near anus
- Pain during or after stool
- Mucus discharge
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- High-fibre diet, hydration
- Sitz baths
- Topical anesthetics, hydrocortisone
- Rubber band ligation
- Surgery for large piles
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Eat 25–35 g fibre / day
- Hydrate
- Limit toilet time to 5 mins
- Treat chronic constipation
Do’s
- Sit in warm water for 10 min twice a day
- Use a footstool
- Wipe gently with damp wipes
- See doctor if bleeding repeats
Don’ts
- Strain hard
- Sit on the toilet scrolling phone
- Use rough toilet paper
- Ignore persistent bleeding
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all gastroenterology doctors Top 4 doctors for Hemorrhoids
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
RA
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RS
3
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BS
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.