Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids – otherwise known as piles - are lumps inside and around your bottom (anus).
Haemorrhoids are actually extremely common. In fact, it’s estimated that 50% of people in the United Kingdom will experience them at some point.
In most cases, the symptoms of piles will clear up in around a week or two – with an effective treatment - and a few small changes to your daily routine.
Symptoms
The first sign of haemorrhoids is often bright red bleeding, which you’ll notice on the toilet paper after passing stools. The bleeding can vary from streaks on the toilet paper to blood dripping into the toilet.
You may also see blood on the outside of your stool but the blood is not mixed in with the stool.
Other symptoms include:
- A mucus discharge which you’ll notice after passing stools
- Soreness, redness and itching around the anus (back passage)
- A lump hanging down outside the anus
- Feeling as if you still need to pass stools after going to the toilet
Things that make piles more likely include:
- constipation
- pushing too hard when passing stools
- pregnancy
- heavy lifting
Treatment
Fortunately, the symptoms of haemorrhoids may be relieved by using simple treatments that are available through the Minor Ailment scheme at Toome Pharmacy.
The Minor Ailment scheme means that our pharmacists can consult with you regarding your haemorrhoids and can prescribe treatment.
The objective of haemorrhoid treatment is to shrink less severe haemorrhoids, and reduce painful itching and swelling. Following a consultation with you to discuss your haemorrhoids, our pharmacist may prescribe you Anusol, a haemorrhoid treatment, which is available in cream, ointment and suppository form.
Regardless of which form you opt for, the Anusol range will provide you with effective, soothing relief from discomfort and irritation. For more complicated haemorrhoids, the Anusol Soothing Relief range also offers you anti-inflammatory benefits, too.
In addition to prescribing Anusol, our pharmacists may also provide you with advice about preventing haemorrhoids from recurring. Our pharmacist may suggest that you:
- Gradually increase the amount of fibre in your diet. Fruit, vegetables, wholegrain rice, whole-wheat pasta and bread, pulses and beans are great sources of fibre.
- Drink plenty of fluids – particularly water.
- Don’t delay going to the toilet. Ignoring the urge to empty your bowels can make your stools harder and drier.
- Avoid medication that causes constipation
- Exercise regularly
We know that talking about haemorrhoids can be embarrassing, but Toome Pharmacy has private areas in which our pharmacists can consult with you without being overheard.
