This month saw the 195th anniversary of one of the most-documented battles of the last millennium. It was on 18 June 1815 that the allied forces of Belgium, Britain, Holland, Germany and Prussia under the command of Wellington and Blucher, finally overcame Napoleon’s French Grande Armée.
It all took place near the village of Waterloo, about 12km south of Brussels.
According to Dr Jim Leavesley in his book Mere Mortals, Napoleon, never really in perfect health, was now fatter than before, his concentration span was much reduced and he suffered embarrassing symptoms related to a recurring bladder infection.
And from the French point of view there were inconvenient delays to the beginning of the battle. At a critical stage during the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon returned to his quarters to seek relief from the pain of his haemorrhoids. Whether relief was gained we don’t know, but we do know for the “little general” the battle was lost.
No time is convenient to suffer with haemorrhoids; and how many emperors today are similarly discomforted is hard to say, but Napoleon had been all day in the saddle, and any horse rider would surely say having haemorrhoids is not much fun. The reality is, of course, having haemorrhoids is no fun for anyone – it’s a very sensitive issue in more ways than one.
Haemorrhoids are just like varicose (swollen) veins inside or around the anus. They are very common, with 80% of people estimated to have suffered with haemorrhoids at some time in their lives.
Symptoms include pain and irritation – the pain is usually a dull ache, often worse when passing a bowel motion; and the irritation is usually a burning, itching sensation. Fortunately these symptoms can generally be treated effectively with medicines, diet and attention to hygiene.
Rectal and anal discomfort can also be caused by conditions other than haemorrhoids. Therefore, if we are unsure whether haemorrhoids are actually the cause of the discomfort, we should see our doctor in the first instance.
Non-prescription topical preparations containing combinations of local anaesthetics, corticosteroids, astringents and healing agents are soothing and give at least temporary relief of symptoms – they should normally be used twice a day and after each bowel motion. However, long-term relief may need some diet and lifestyle modification.
Constipation or straining to pass a bowel motion are common causes of haemorrhoids, so judicious use of laxatives can be useful in addition to an increase in fibre and fluid intake. We should also recognise that medicines (often prescribed medicines) can be a cause of constipation. Your pharmacist can advise you if this is likely to be the case.
With this in mind, paracetamol is the first choice “over the counter” oral analgesic to relieve the pain of haemorrhoids. So-called compound pain relievers containing codeine should be avoided as they can also cause or aggravate constipation.
Keeping the area around the anus clean will help reduce itch and irritation. As soap can itself cause irritation to the already sensitive area, non-soapy cleansers are a better option, as are the use of flushable moist towelettes instead of toilet paper.
If you want to participate in the equestrian events at the next Olympics, perhaps cycle to the local shops, or even sit down for dinner without too much discomfort, check out the new Haemorrhoids fact card. It’s available from pharmacies around Australia providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information – log on to www.psa.org.au and click on Self Care Pharmacy Finder. There are other relevant cards, too: Fibre and Bowel Health, Constipation and Pelvic Floor Exercises.
