Haemorrhoids

• Bright red anal bleeding in the faeces or on the toilet paper
• Painful swelling, protrusion or lump
• Anal itching
• Irritation of anus during defecation
• A mucous discharge from the anus  may also occur
  

Straining with bowel movements causes pressure on the blood vessels of the anus and rectum, and if the blood vessels are weak, the increased pressure can cause them to swell and become distorted, leading to the formation of haemorrhoids.

Other sources of pressure in the anal region may include pregnancy, standing and sitting for long periods, heavy lifting, liver disease, coughing, sneezing, and vomiting. Sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods of time may also contribute.

A hereditary component may also play a role in the development of haemorrhoids.

• Improving your diet is the first step to controlling haemorrhoids. Make sure you eat a high-fibre diet based on ample quantities of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. However, note that some natural therapies experts believe that wheat bran fibre may aggravate haemorrhoids. Instead, choose soluble fibre sources, such as psyllium.
• Drink plenty of water too – aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
• Avoid straining to lift heavy objects as this can increase the pressure on the veins.
• In clinical studies, the topical application of witch hazel has been shown to relieve haemorrhoid symptoms such as itching, bleeding, soreness and burning pain.

Bleeding from the bowel always requires further medical investigation to determine the cause - consult your healthcare professional for more information.