A compelling discourse on piles, an often overlooked and highly stigmatised condition, emphasising the crucial role healthcare professionals play in breaking the silence and enabling effective management.

Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects a significant portion of the South African population, with one in two individuals experiencing it at some point in their lives.

Despite its prevalence, the stigma surrounding piles persists, leading to reluctance to seek treatment and unnecessary suffering.

Recent research reveals that 52% of people avoid seeking treatment altogether, while 44% delay seeking help due to feelings of embarrassment and discomfort. As healthcare professionals, pharmacists and doctors can play a crucial role in breaking this cycle of silence and providing much-needed support and guidance to patients dealing with piles.

Understanding the emotional Impact: Piles can evoke feelings of fear, embarrassment, and social isolation due to symptoms like blood loss and anal pain. Patients may also harbour concerns about underlying health conditions. By approaching the subject with empathy and understanding, healthcare professionals can help alleviate patients' anxieties and provide reassurance.

Initiating conversations: Research shows that many patients only disclose their piles condition when prompted by their healthcare provider.

Thus, healthcare professionals need to initiate open-ended discussions during consultations, creating a safe space for patients to share their concerns and seek appropriate treatment.

Targeting high-risk groups: Certain demographics, such as pregnant women and individuals with specific lifestyle factors, are more prone to developing piles. Healthcare professionals should proactively discuss the risk of piles with high-risk groups, offering preventative advice and early intervention strategies.

Providing self-care recommendations: Empowering patients with self-care strategies can promote healing and reduce the likelihood of recurrent episodes. Healthcare professionals should advise patients on dietary modifications, fluid intake, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Respecting treatment preferences: Patients experiencing piles often prioritise symptom management over cure. It's key for healthcare professionals to respect patients' treatment preferences and provide clear, understandable information about available options, including over-the-counter products like AnuSol, the UK’s No. 1 selling treatment for piles. It contains a soothing astringent that effectively reduces swelling and provides relief. Available in various forms, including suppositories, ointments, and wipes, the AnuSol range offers a gentle yet effective solution, enabling individuals to resume their daily activities comfortably.

Despite its prevalence, piles remain a taboo subject, as indicated by search engine trends. Medical professionals are uniquely positioned to challenge this stigma and foster open dialogue about piles, promoting early detection and effective management.

References

Van Tol R, Kimman M, Breukink S, et al. Experiences of patients with haemorrhoidal disease – a qualitative study. J Coloproctol (RIO J). 2019;39(1):41-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcol.2018.10.005.

Sheikh P, Regnier C, Goron F, et al. The prevalence, characteristics and treatment of hemorrhoidal disease: results of an international web-based survey. J Comp Eff Res. 2020;9(17):1219-1232. Doi: 10.2217/cer-2020-0159

Ray-Offor E, Amadi S. Hemorrhoidal disease: predilection sites, patterns of presentation and treatment. Ann Afr Med. 2019;18(1):12-16. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_4_18: 10.4103/aam.aam_4_1

Sheikh P, Regnier C, Goron F, et al. The prevalence, characteristics and treatment of hemorrhoidal disease: results of an international web-based survey. J Comp Eff Res. 2020;9(17):1219-1232. Doi: 10.2217/cer-2020-0159

Merchant L, Brown L, Burton J. Case-based learning: Haemorrhoids. The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, January 2022, Vol 308, No 7957;308(7957):DOI:10.1211/ PJ.2021.1.121181

Van Tol R, Kimman M, Breukink S, et al. Experiences of patients with haemorrhoidal disease – a qualitative study. J Coloproctol (RIO J). 2019;39(1):41-47. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.jcol.2018.10.005.

Anusol. How to treat piles. https://www.anusol.co.uk/piles-advice/treatment (accessed March 2022)