Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids: a common and taboo discomfort. Understand and relieve it day to day.
Understanding haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are normal vascular cushions of the anal canal. We talk of a ‘flare’ when they swell and become inflamed: bright red bleeding (on the paper or in the bowl), discomfort, itching, sometimes pain or a lump at the anus.
It is extremely common and very taboo, yet it is well managed:
- A large share of adults are affected at some point.
- Top factors: constipation, straining at stool, prolonged sitting.
- Pregnancy and childbirth are classic triggers.
Why a flare happens
The main mechanism is pressure: hard stools and repeated straining (from a lack of fibre and water) congest and dilate the haemorrhoidal cushions. Prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle worsen the venous stagnation.
Factors that sustain flares:
- A low-fibre diet and insufficient hydration.
- Spending too long on the toilet (phone included) and straining.
- Pregnancy, childbirth, excess weight, prolonged sitting.
“Haemorrhoids suffer mostly from taboo: people do not talk about them, so they let them linger. Yet the first line is simple and effective: fibre, water, no straining or lingering on the toilet. One essential caution: any bleeding should be assessed at least once so as not to miss another cause.”
What to do day to day
Relieve the flare and above all remove straining at stool.
1. More fibre and water
Fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and good hydration soften stools: it is the most effective measure, backed by studies.
2. Do not strain or linger
Pass stool without pushing, without spending 20 minutes on the phone. Straining and prolonged sitting make everything worse.
3. Move
Regular physical activity restarts transit and limits venous stagnation.
4. Gentle hygiene of the area
Clean with water rather than dry abrasive paper, no scented soap. Dry by gently patting.
5. Soothe locally
Cold (a compress) and soothing local care relieve the discomfort during a flare.
What to expect
An indicative guide: most flares are temporary.
Days 1-3
Relieve the flare
Local care, cold and softened stools reduce discomfort and bleeding.
Days 1-3
Relieve the flare
Local care, cold and softened stools reduce discomfort and bleeding.
Days 3-7
Relief
With less straining at stool, inflammation decreases and the flare settles.
Days 3-7
Relief
With less straining at stool, inflammation decreases and the flare settles.
2-4 weeks
Regulated transit
Fibre, water and activity establish a smooth transit that limits recurrence.
2-4 weeks
Regulated transit
Fibre, water and activity establish a smooth transit that limits recurrence.
Caution
Get bleeding assessed
Any bleeding should be assessed at least once, especially after 50, to rule out another cause.
Caution
Get bleeding assessed
Any bleeding should be assessed at least once, especially after 50, to rule out another cause.
Why act, and when to see a doctor
Flares are well managed; bleeding must always be assessed.
Calm the flare
Discomfort, itching and light bleeding ease with the right habits.
Regulate transit
Fibre, water and movement strongly reduce the risk of new flares.
Dare to talk about it
Talking about it means not letting a well-managed discomfort linger.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for bleeding (especially after 50 or heavy), intense pain (thrombosis), a persistent lump, or a change in bowel habits.
Your questions about haemorrhoids
Bright red bleeding on the paper often comes from haemorrhoids, but should never be attributed to them alone from the start: any bleeding should be assessed at least once by a doctor, especially after 50, to rule out another cause.
Increasing fibre and hydration to soften stools and avoid straining. Studies show a consistent benefit of fibre on symptoms and bleeding.
The pressure of the uterus, hormonal changes and frequent constipation promote haemorrhoids during pregnancy and after childbirth. They often regress afterwards.
Dry abrasive paper irritates. Prefer cleaning with water, no scented soap, and dry by gently patting.
See a doctor for bleeding to be assessed, intense pain, a persistent lump, or a change in bowel habits (prevalence and management, Riss 2012).
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