Behind the pain: Understanding and preventing haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids affect about 4.4 per cent of people globally. [iStockphoto]

According to Dr Abdullahi Ibrahim, haemorrhoids are one of the leading gastrointestinal diagnoses in our outpatient hospitals.

"Also known as piles, these are swollen veins in the anus. They are common and affect about 4.4 per cent of people globally, with a higher rate of around 10 per cent in Kenya," explains the general and laparoscopic surgeon.