13/10/2026
PILES (HEMORRHOIDS): CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
π¨ DO YOU NOTICE BLOOD WHEN YOU PASS STOOL? DO YOU FEEL PAIN, ITCHING, OR A LUMP AROUND YOUR A**S? DON'T IGNORE THESE WARNING SIGNS!
Welcome to another important health discussion with Sagavaluelife Clinic, where we educate our followers about common health conditions and how to prevent complications.
Today, we are discussing piles, medically known as hemorrhoids.
1. What are piles?
Piles, or hemorrhoids, are swollen vascular cushions in and around the a**s and lower re**um. These tissues normally exist in the body and help control bowel movements, but they can become enlarged and symptomatic.
Piles are common in adults and may cause discomfort, itching, swelling, or bleeding during bowel movements.
Important: Not every case of bleeding from the a**s is caused by piles. Other conditions, including a**l fissures and colore**al diseases, can also cause bleeding.
2. Types of piles
There are two main types:
A. Internal hemorrhoids
Develop inside the re**um.
Often cause painless, bright-red bleeding during bowel movements.
May protrude through the a**s in more advanced cases.
Can cause mucus discharge or a feeling that stool remains inside.
B. External hemorrhoids
Develop beneath the skin around the a**s.
May cause pain, itching, swelling, or a noticeable lump.
Can become extremely painful when a blood clot forms inside them.
3. Common symptoms of piles
Watch out for these symptoms:
1. Bright-red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet after passing stool.
2. Pain or discomfort around the a**s.
3. Itching around the a**l region.
4. Swelling or a lump around the a**s.
5. Protrusion of tissue during bowel movements.
6. Mucus discharge.
7. Discomfort when sitting, particularly with a painful external hemorrhoid.
Please remember: Severe a**l pain is not always caused by piles. An a**l fissure, abscess, or another condition may be responsible.
4. What causes piles?
Several factors can contribute to the development of symptomatic hemorrhoids:
1. Constipation: Passing hard stool can increase pressure around the a**s.
2. Straining during bowel movements: Repeated straining places pressure on the hemorrhoidal tissues.
3. Low-fibre diet: Inadequate fibre intake can contribute to constipation.
4. Prolonged sitting on the toilet: Spending excessive time on the toilet may increase pressure in the a**l region.
5. Pregnancy: Increased abdominal pressure and hormonal changes can contribute to hemorrhoids.
6. Chronic diarrhoea: Frequent bowel movements and irritation can aggravate the a**l region.
7. Ageing: Supporting tissues can weaken with age.
8. Excess body weight: This may contribute to increased abdominal pressure.
9. Heavy lifting with repeated straining: This can increase pressure in the abdomen.
10. Chronic constipation: Repeated difficulty passing stool can worsen symptoms.
5. How can you prevent piles?
Here are practical steps you can take:
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Eat more fibre-rich foods, including vegetables, fruits, beans, oats, and whole grains.
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Drink enough water throughout the day, unless your healthcare professional has advised you to restrict fluids.
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Avoid straining when passing stool.
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Do not sit on the toilet longer than necessary.
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Respond promptly when you feel the urge to pass stool.
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Exercise regularly to support normal bowel function.
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Manage constipation instead of allowing it to persist.
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Avoid repeatedly lifting heavy loads while holding your breath and straining.
6. Foods that may help prevent constipation
In Nigeria, you can increase your fibre intake by eating foods such as:
Oats.
Beans and moi-moi.
Okra.
Vegetables such as ugu.
Pawpaw.
Oranges.
Pears.
Whole-grain cereals.
Brown rice.
Other fruits and vegetables.
Health tip: Increase fibre gradually and drink adequate fluids to help reduce bloating and support softer stools.
No particular food can guarantee that you will never develop piles, but a fibre-rich diet can help prevent constipation, which is an important contributing factor.
7. How are piles treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms.
Mild cases:
Increase dietary fibre.
Drink adequate fluids.
Avoid straining.
Take warm sitz baths to relieve discomfort.
Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional about suitable short-term treatments if necessary.
Persistent cases:
A healthcare professional may recommend procedures such as rubber-band ligation for certain internal hemorrhoids.
Severe cases:
Some people require surgical treatment, particularly when hemorrhoids are large, persistently symptomatic, or associated with complications.
Not everyone with piles needs surgery.
8. Can piles be treated at home?
Mild symptoms may improve with dietary changes, warm baths, and better bowel habits.
However, avoid inserting unprescribed herbal preparations, chemicals, or irritating substances into the a**s. These may cause injury.
Do not use hemorrhoid creams containing steroids for prolonged periods without medical advice.
If symptoms persist or keep returning, seek medical assessment rather than repeatedly treating yourself.
9. When should you seek medical attention?
Please seek medical evaluation if you notice:
Bleeding from the a**s for the first time.
Recurrent bleeding during bowel movements.
Persistent pain or swelling.
A lump that does not improve.
Changes in your bowel habits.
Unexplained weight loss or unusual fatigue.
Seek urgent medical care if you experience heavy or continuous bleeding, dizziness or fainting, black tarry stool, or severe a**l pain accompanied by fever or worsening swelling.
These symptoms may indicate a condition that needs prompt treatment.
π©Ί FINAL MESSAGE FROM SAGAVALUELIFE CLINIC
Piles are common, and effective treatments are available. However, assuming that every episode of re**al bleeding is caused by piles can delay the diagnosis of other serious conditions.
Do not suffer in silence, and do not rely on self-medication alone. Your health matters!
π’ LET'S INTERACT!
Have you ever experienced any of these symptoms?
A. Bleeding during bowel movements
B. Pain or itching around the a**s
C. A lump around the a**s
D. Constipation and difficulty passing stool
E. None of the above
Drop your answer in the comment section. Let's continue learning about our health together.
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