Not many people like to own up to having piles (haemorrhoids) - it's embarrassing enough just asking for a treatment at the chemist's. However, if you're a pile sufferer, you might be interested to know that it's a very common problem: in fact, half the UK population will have had piles at some point by the time they reach 50.

In this section, we'll describe exactly what piles are and what causes them; we'll also explain how to treat them - and suggest ways of avoiding them in the first place. Click on a link on the left to learn more.

There are four main symptoms associated with piles:

• itching, pain and discomfort around your anal region
• a red, tender lump on the outside of your anus (external haemorrhoid)
• bright red blood on your stools or toilet paper (internal haemorrhoid)
• a painful anus during your bowel movement

It may be uncomfortable if you experience any of these symptoms but there's nothing to worry about. Except in severe cases, piles don't usually last much more than a few days.

Piles are blood-filled lumps around the anus caused by swollen veins. Although they sound nasty (and can be quite painful), you'll be pleased to know they aren't a serious condition.

Click a link on the left to find out more about why you might get them.

Piles are caused when you put increased pressure on your abdomen. For example:

• you suffer from constipation and strain when you try to pass stools
• you are overweight
• you are pregnant and the baby is pressing down on you
• your job involves muscular straining such as lifting heavy objects
• you spend a lot of the day on your feet

You don't have to keep on suffering! There are some simple steps you can take to help prevent them:

• eat more fibre in your diet, so that your stools are softer and easier to pass
• try to lose a few pounds if you are overweight
• take more exercise
• where possible, try to avoid situations where you have to lift heavy objects

If you can introduce these steps into your daily routine, it could mean the difference between painful piles or no piles at all.

Piles are rare in children but if you think your child is suffering, do go and see your doctor.

• If you see red blood on your stools or toilet paper be on the safe side and
  see your doctor about it as soon as you can.
• If piles persist it's advisable to see your doctor. He or she may be able to reduce them or remove them surgically (see section further down on Surgical Treatments)
• If you also experience abdominal pain, weight loss or vomiting, this could suggest you have an underlying condition and you should see your doctor.
  But don't worry, these cases are usually rare.

Haemorrhoid treatments you can buy over the counter will generally contain a local anaesthetic to ease the pain, an antiseptic to soothe the symptoms and an astringent to contract the swelling. You may also find treatments which contain hydrocortisone to reduce the inflammation.

Sometimes, a laxative will help as this will relieve any constipation you may be experiencing and stop the piles from recurring.

Small piles often go away when the constipation is cured or when straining stops. If you suffer badly from piles, bigger ones may need to be removed by your doctor. There are a number of different treatments:

• PPH (Procedure for Prolapse & Haemorrhoids): a minimally invasive treatment which uses a circular stapling device to gently pull the haemorrhoids back into their normal position inside the body
• Laser treatment: this will block the blood supply from the piles
• Haemorrhoidectomy: the piles removed surgically under a general anaesthetic
• Injection: a chemical solution is injected to shrink and destroy the piles
• Freezing: the piles are sprayed with a freezing substance to shrink and destroy them
• Rubber band ligation: Rubber bands are placed around the piles to cut off the blood supply and cause them to drop off. It sounds quite scary but it's actually a painless way to get rid of them.

There are many natural remedies thought to aid haemorrhoids but the scientific evidence for their effectiveness is unclear. If you want to try a natural alternative consult a homeopath or natural remedy retailer for further advice.

Do piles run in the family?

I think I have piles but could they be something else?

A new website with advice and information about haemorrhoids has been launched by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a division of Johnson & Johnson Medical. Presented in a user-friendly format, allaboutpph.co.uk provides answers to frequently asked questions about haemorrhoids and, specifically, about the innovative surgical procedure PPH (Procedure for Prolapsed Haemorrhoids), for the treatment of severe cases of this uncomfortable and distressing condition. Visit allaboutpph.co.uk ^*

The Digestive Disorders Foundation (The Charity for Research and Information on all Digestive Disorders) PO Box 251 Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 6HG Tel: 0207 487 5332

IBS Network. St John House, Hither Green Hospital, Hither Green, London SE13 6RU Member receive a quarterly newsletter Gut Reaction - which is written and read by sufferers of IBS. Members also receive a Can't Wait Card Tel: 0114 261 1531 (answer phone) General Enquiries 0208 698 4611

Incontact: an organisation for people with bladder and bowel problems Doughty Street, London, WC1N 2PH Telephone Helpline: 0191 213 0050

NACC The National Association for Colitis and Chron's Disease Tel: 01727 844296

Spinal Injuries Association 76 St James Lane, London N10 3DF. Tel: 0208 444 2121. A factsheet is provided on bowel and bladder management for the disabled.

^*Selecting any of the listed links will take you to a Web site to which the McNeil Products Ltd. Privacy Policy, Legal Notice and content ownership do not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with that Web site. We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy and Legal Notice of every Web site that you visit.