You might take the occasional indigestion and other side effects in your stride, but if you neglect it altogether, you could be in the risk zone for a painful condition called haemorrhoids.
What are Haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids (or piles) are swollen and inflamed veins in the anal and rectal region, and can be internal or external.
Internal haemorrhoids are not visible; in external haemorrhoids, the inflamed veins are pushed out of the anal opening.
Symptoms and Causes
Internal haemorrhoids are painless and invisible; the most distinguishing symptom of internal haemorrhoids is bleeding after passing stools. The blood is usually bright red and causes a splatter pattern. Other symptoms include itching and pain while passing stools.
External haemorrhoids are painful and may bleed, causing severe discomfort.
Haemorrhoids develop due to unusual pressure on the veins in the rectal area. Several factors are believed to play a role in causing haemorrhoids, including:
- Constipation and straining while passing stool
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Obesity
- Standing or sitting for long hours
- Family history
A significant percentage of Indian women tend to stand or sit for long hours, whether it is attending to the chores at home, or working on computers in plush offices.
A sedentary lifestyle coupled with pounds piled on during and after pregnancy also makes many women lean towards obesity. Add to that an increase in the intake of refined and junk foods and you're all set to develop haemorrhoids.
Visit Your Doctor
As soon as you notice the first symptoms!
Haemorrhoids can be completely cured, if diagnosed and treated early. However, if left to themselves, they can progress rapidly.
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