Piles can be a total pain in the bum. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for helping prevent piles & ease any symptoms, so you can feel more comfortable
What are piles?
Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are lumps or swollen blood vessels that are found in and around the anus and lower rectum. Haemorrhoids often get better on their own after a few days.
What causes piles?
The exact cause of piles is unknown, however it’s thought that certain things can make them more likely, including:
- Constipation
- Straining on the toilet and pushing too hard during a poo
- A low-fibre diet
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy (piles related to pregnancy often go away after birth)
- Ageing
- Hereditary factors
- A persistent cough
- Lifting heavy items
Find out more about the causes and treatment of piles in our article.
How to help manage symptoms of piles at home
If you have haemorrhoids, there are ways you can help treat or prevent them at home. These include diet and lifestyle tweaks, such as:
- Enjoying a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of whole grains, fruit, vegetables and some protein – save processed and fast foods for an occasional treat!
- Getting regular exercise – take a look at our article on how to build an exercise routine for inspiration if you’re wanting to get a bit more active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Having a fibre-rich diet can help digestion and speed up the process of food through the body. This can also help with keeping stools soft and avoiding constipation, which can make piles more uncomfortable. Read on for our tips on how to get more fibre into your diet.
Our article on gut health explains the other benefits of looking after your gut, and how you can help support your gut health.
Foods to avoid if you have piles
While there aren’t any specific foods that are off the menu when it comes to piles, we’ve put together some top tips to help manage haemorrhoids:
- Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks (like tea, coffee and cola) and alcohol, to avoid dehydration and help keep your stools soft
- Drink lots of fluid – take a look at our top tips for upping your water intake
- Swap out low-fibre foods like white bread and pasta for wholegrain options
Constipation & piles
Having constipation can make haemorrhoids more likely, but equally, if you do have piles, it’s best to avoid getting constipated as the last thing you want is to be struggling and straining on the loo when you’re already uncomfortable down there.
Fibre is key when it comes to helping prevent constipation. According to the NHS, most people don’t get the recommended daily 30g of fibre. Looking to increase your intake? Here are some great ways to fill your diet with fibre from a variety of sources:
- Wholemeal bread
- Brown rice
- Fruit and vegetables
- Beans
- Oats
Check out our article for more advice on how to get more fibre into your diet.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids to help aid digestion and soften your stools – without fluid, fibre can’t pass through your digestive system as easily, so you could end up feeling constipated. Aim for a glass of water with every meal for a truly happy tummy!
If a high-fibre diet isn’t helping to prevent constipation, or you’re struggling to get enough fibre into your diet, you could consider taking fibre supplements such as Boots Good Gut Psyllium Husk.
How to help ease the symptoms of piles
If you’ve got haemorrhoids, the good news is there are plenty of things you can do at home to help make yourself more comfortable. These include:
- Checking if any vitamin supplements or medications are causing constipation as a side effect
- Going to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to, but avoid straining on the toilet
- Losing weight if you’re overweight
- Getting regular exercise to help reduce constipation and maintain a healthy weight
- Trying a cold pack to help ease discomfort
Your local pharmacist can help find a piles treatment that’s suitable for you. This could include creams to help ease pain, itching and swelling, as well as, if required, constipation treatments to help soften poo and make going to the toilet more comfortable. Most pharmacies will have an area where you can discuss your symptoms in privacy if you’re worried about being overheard.
You may wish to consider Boots Haemorrhoid Relief Suppositories to help relieve the pain and itchiness of piles. Always read the label.
After going to the loo, wipe with moist toilet tissue or Boots Haemorrhoid Cleansing Wipes which contain cooling witch hazel to gently cleanse and soothe. Just remember to throw them in the bin, rather than flushing!
Anusol Soothing Relief Ointment helps reduce inflammation as well as relieving any itching and soothing discomfort. Always read the label.
Fybogel Hi-Fibre Orange Constipation Relief, which contains isphaghula husk, can help you maintain a normal bowel function. The orange-flavoured drink also helps you get more fibre, as well as gently relieving constipation without straining or discomfort. Always read the label.
If piles aren’t improving with home treatment, your GP may recommend alternative treatments, including non-surgical and, if required, surgical options.
If you have piles and are losing a lot of blood or you’re in severe pain, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E straight away.
Now you have some tips to help manage your piles symptoms at home, you’ll soon be sitting comfortably again.
