The main cause of piles (haemorrhoids) — and exactly how to get rid of them (practical, evidence-based steps)

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When I first wrote about health tips on my blog, a close friend messaged me in panic: “I’ve been passing bright red blood after every motion — could it be piles?” We talked, I listened, and I walked them through simple, realistic steps that helped within weeks. That hands-on experience — and the hundreds of reader questions since — taught me one thing: piles (also called haemorrhoids) are common, often treatable at home, but deserve respect and sensible action. In this guide I’ll explain the real cause, evidence-based home treatments, medical options when needed, three real-world case studies, and a clear prevention plan you can start today.

Quick definition: piles are swollen veins in or around the anus and lower rectum. They may be internal or external and can cause bleeding, itching, pain, or a feeling of a lump. (Cleveland Clinic)

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What is the main cause of piles?

The single most important factor leading to piles is increased pressure in the lower rectum. That pressure makes the delicate veins around the anus stretch, bulge, and sometimes bleed. The common activities or conditions that raise that pressure include:

• Straining during bowel movements (especially with constipation).

• Sitting for long periods on the toilet (or being generally sedentary).

• Chronic diarrhea or repeated heavy lifting.

• Pregnancy and childbirth (pressure from the baby).

• Obesity and a low-fiber diet. (Mayo Clinic)

So, in plain terms: anything that makes you push hard, or keeps pressure on the rectal veins for long periods, raises your risk of developing piles. (Cleveland Clinic)

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Common symptoms to watch for

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or the surface of the stool.

• Itching, irritation, or a lump near the anus.

• Pain or discomfort — especially with external or thrombosed haemorrhoids.

• Mucus discharge or a feeling that you haven’t emptied completely. (Cleveland Clinic)

Important: If you have heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pain, fever, or symptoms that get worse or don’t improve after a week of home care, see a doctor immediately. Those signs may need urgent attention or further tests. (Mayo Clinic)

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How to get rid of piles — step-by-step (home care + medical options)

1. Start with the simplest, highest-impact changes

These are safe, low-cost, evidence-backed steps that help most people:

• Increase daily fibre (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes) and consider a fibre supplement like psyllium. Fibre softens stools, reduces straining, and has been shown in trials to reduce haemorrhoid symptoms and bleeding. (PubMed)

• Drink enough fluids. Aim to stay hydrated; fiber works best when paired with water. (nhs.uk)

• Use stool softeners or gentle laxatives short-term if stools are hard (ask a pharmacist/doctor for options). (Cleveland Clinic)

These three interventions alone often relieve bleeding and pain within days to weeks.

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2. Symptom relief while the body heals

• Sitz baths: sitting in warm water 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times daily, reduces swelling and eases discomfort. (Mayo Clinic News Network)

• Topical treatments: over-the-counter creams or pads with witch hazel, hydrocortisone (short term), or mild local anaesthetic can help symptoms. Follow product directions and don’t overuse steroid creams. (Mayo Clinic)

• Cold compresses for acute swelling or thrombosis (wrap ice in cloth; don’t apply directly to skin). (Cleveland Clinic)

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3. When home care isn’t enough: outpatient procedures

If symptoms persist despite conservative care, or if bleeding/ prolapse is frequent, clinicians may offer procedures:

• Rubber band ligation – a small band is placed at the base of an internal haemorrhoid to cut off blood supply; it falls off in days and is effective for many cases.

• Sclerotherapy – injection that causes the haemorrhoid to shrink.

• Infrared coagulation – uses heat to scar and reduce blood flow.

• Hemorrhoidectomy – surgical removal for severe, large, or recurrent piles. (Mayo Clinic)

Your doctor will explain risks, benefits, and recovery time for each option. Most outpatient procedures are quick and effective for persistent haemorrhoids.

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Three real-world examples / brief case studies

Case 1 — “Aisha, 29 — postpartum bleeding and discomfort”

Aisha developed bleeding and a painful lump soon after giving birth. She was advised to increase fibre, use stool softeners while breastfeeding, and do sitz baths. Symptoms improved in three weeks and the lump decreased. For reassurance, her midwife did a short follow-up exam. (Outcome: conservative care + support.) (nhs.uk)

Case 2 — “Daniel, 42 — chronic constipation and recurrent bleeding”

Daniel had a history of straining and long toilet sessions (work stress, low-fiber diet). After switching to a fiber supplement, fixing bathroom timing, and using weekly exercise, his bleeding stopped and he avoided the need for an outpatient procedure. (Outcome: lifestyle & fiber fixed recurrent issues.) (PubMed)

Case 3 — “Mrs. K, 67 — painful thrombosed external haemorrhoid”

She presented with a sudden, very painful lump (thrombosis). After assessment, a minor office procedure to remove the clot plus short-term pain control and sitz baths resolved her pain quickly. (Outcome: prompt medical care for acute thrombosis.) (Cleveland Clinic)

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Comparison table — home remedies vs medical procedures

Approach	Typical use	Time to relief	Pros	Cons
Fibre + fluids + stool softeners	First-line for most cases	Days to weeks	Safe, low-cost, prevents recurrence	Needs consistency
Sitz baths + topical pads	Symptom relief	Immediate to days	Easy, soothing	Temporary
Rubber band ligation / sclerotherapy	Persistent internal piles	Weeks for full effect	Minimally invasive, outpatient	May need repeat treatment
Hemorrhoidectomy	Large, recurrent, or severe piles	Weeks recovery	Definitive for severe cases	Surgical risks, longer recovery

(Decide with your clinician which route fits you best.) (Mayo Clinic)

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Prevention: practical daily habits that stop piles from coming back

• Eat at least the recommended daily fiber (slowly increase to avoid gas). Trials show fiber reduces symptoms and bleeding. (PubMed)

• Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet; don’t bring your phone to read while “holding on.” (Cleveland Clinic)

• Move daily — even short walks help bowel regularity. (Cleveland Clinic)

• Respond to the urge to go; delaying creates harder stools and straining.

• Maintain a healthy weight, reduce heavy lifting when possible. (Mayo Clinic)

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When to see a doctor (again — this matters)

See your healthcare provider if you have:

• Large amounts of bleeding, faintness, or dizziness.

• Severe pain, fever, or pus/discharge.

• Symptoms lasting more than a week despite home care.

• Any change in bowel habits, weight loss, or family history of colorectal cancer. (Mayo Clinic)

Final thoughts — empathy, encouragement, and next steps

Piles are embarrassing for many, but they’re very common and usually manageable. Start with gentle, evidence-based measures (fiber, fluids, sitz baths, and avoiding strain). If a week of consistent home care doesn’t help, or if symptoms are severe, please see a healthcare professional — early care often avoids surgery.

If you’d like, I can:

• Turn this into a printable one-page checklist for quick bathroom reference.

• Draft a patient-friendly FAQ or a short email series (“7 days to softer stools”) you can use on your site.

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If you want that printable checklist or a short “what to tell your doctor” script, tell me which and I’ll write it out in plain language you can use on your site or print for readers.