HAEMORRHOIDS OR PILES

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 1 October 1913, Page 2

HAEMORRHOIDS OR PILES

Piles are pendulous tumour*, varying in size, of a pink or purplish hue, situated within or just outside the anal aperture. If within they are termed internal, if without external. The external are covered by skin, and are often clustered together like a bunch of grapes. The internal are always within the bowel, and covered bj mucous membranoe. They frequently bleed, the blood being a bright red colour, which varies in quantity from a few drops to a profuse discharge. Piles of both' kinds arise from indulgence i* highly-seasoned foods and aicoholi* drinks, congestion of th« liver, to» much sitting, long-continued standing, constipation, much horse exercise, er sitting in cold, damp places. These growths give rise to very acute pain, with throbbing" and inflammation, sometimes accompanied with high fever. .'''.■'•'."'" ■ -, " ■■■ •-. • ■• The symptoms may pass o$ mftm or four days, but t;he attacks ar» frequently renewed, often return* «g at stated intervals. Treatment The patient must adopt a «aref»lly regulated diet; abstain from highly seasoned dishes, pastry, spirits, win© and beer. Walking exercise is beneficial, and sitting in the open-air during tk« summer months. The parts .should b« well bathed every morning- wtih «old water, and then carefully dried. Im both external and internal piles a compound gull ointment and Camphorated vaseline.is a very beneficial application. The bowels should be kept regular by some mild aperient as rhubarb or senna; salts must ;never be taken' durl ing this affection. If thiar treatment does not cure, and the trouble ~beoomea intensified, - permanent relief must b« procured by a surgical operation, which is in ao sense dangerous.' " 192