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What Can I Do About Haemorrhoids? | NHS
Understanding Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels found inside or around the bottom (the rectum and anus). They are a common condition and can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and bleeding. In the UK, haemorrhoids affect around 4.4% of the population and are more common in adults aged 45-65.Symptoms of Haemorrhoids
Some of the common symptoms include:- Bleeding after passing a stool – the blood is usually bright red.
- Itchy bottom.
- A lump hanging outside the anus, which may need to be pushed back in after passing a stool.
- A mucus discharge after passing a stool.
- Soreness, redness, and swelling around your anus.
Home Treatments and Lifestyle Changes
For most people, haemorrhoids improve within a few days without requiring treatment. Here are some things you can do at home to help ease the discomfort:- Increase Fibre Intake: Eating high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can ease the passage of stools and reduce the strain that may cause haemorrhoids.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep stools soft.
- Avoid Straining: Try not to strain when on the toilet, as this can exacerbate haemorrhoids.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent constipation and reduce pressure on veins.
- Warm Sitz Baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes several times a day can provide relief.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Pharmacies in the UK offer various over-the-counter treatments to relieve haemorrhoid symptoms. These include:- Creams and Ointments: Products containing hydrocortisone help reduce inflammation and itching.
- Suppositories: Inserted into the rectum to treat internal piles, these can help alleviate pain and swelling.
- Cold Packs: Applying a cold pack can reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
When to See a GP
While haemorrhoids often improve with home treatments, you should see your GP if you experience:- Persistent or severe pain.
- Continuous bleeding or bright red blood in your stool.
- No improvement after seven days of home treatment.
Conclusion
Haemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, but they are generally manageable with self-care and over-the-counter treatments. By making lifestyle changes and seeking medical advice when necessary, most people can find relief from their symptoms. If you are concerned about your symptoms or if they persist, do not hesitate to contact your GP for further guidance.Frequently Asked Questions
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels found inside or around the bottom (the rectum and anus).
What are the common symptoms of haemorrhoids?
Common symptoms include bleeding after passing a stool, itchy bottom, a lump hanging outside the anus that may need to be pushed back in after passing a stool, and a mucus discharge after passing a stool.
What causes haemorrhoids?
The exact cause is unclear, but they are often associated with increased pressure in the blood vessels in and around the anus. Contributing factors include chronic constipation or diarrhoea, straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, and ageing.
How can I prevent haemorrhoids?
To prevent haemorrhoids, maintain a high-fibre diet to keep stools soft, drink plenty of fluids, avoid straining during bowel movements, and exercise regularly.
When should I see a GP for haemorrhoids?
See a GP if you experience bleeding from the bottom, if over-the-counter treatments haven't helped, or if you continue to have symptoms like severe pain or discomfort.
What over-the-counter treatments are available for haemorrhoids?
Over-the-counter treatments include creams, ointments, and suppositories, which can help to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Are there any home remedies for haemorrhoids?
Home remedies include soaking in a warm bath several times a day, especially after bowel movements, and using moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper.
Can lifestyle changes help manage haemorrhoids?
Yes, lifestyle changes like increasing dietary fibre intake, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet can help manage and prevent haemorrhoids.
Can haemorrhoids go away on their own?
Small haemorrhoids can sometimes improve on their own without treatment. However, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments can help relieve symptoms more quickly.
Are haemorrhoids dangerous?
Haemorrhoids are not usually dangerous, but they can be extremely uncomfortable. Persistent or severe cases should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
What medical procedures are available for severe haemorrhoids?
For more severe haemorrhoids, treatments include banding (where a tight elastic band is placed around the base of the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply), sclerotherapy (where a hardening agent is injected to shrink the haemorrhoid), and surgical removal.
Can I exercise with haemorrhoids?
Yes, gentle exercise such as walking can help stimulate bowel function. However, avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities that could exacerbate the haemorrhoids.
Is it safe to use pain relievers for haemorrhoid pain?
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol can be used to alleviate pain. Follow the dosage instructions and consult a healthcare provider if you are unsure.
What should I eat to help with haemorrhoids?
A diet high in fibre, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can help produce soft stools that are easier to pass and reduce the risk of haemorrhoids.
Can sitting for long periods cause haemorrhoids?
Yes, sitting for extended periods, particularly on the toilet, can contribute to the development of haemorrhoids by increasing pressure on the blood vessels in the anal area.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Bleeding from the bottom rectal bleeding
- NHS - Rectal Bleeding The NHS provides comprehensive information on rectal bleeding, detailing common causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor. It also covers possible treatment options and preventive measures.
- NHS Inform - Gastrointestinal Bleeding NHS Inform offers detailed guidance on gastrointestinal bleeding, including rectal bleeding. The page provides insights into symptoms, causes, diagnostic procedures, and treatments available in the UK.
- Bowel Cancer UK - Symptoms and Diagnosis Bowel Cancer UK provides information about the symptoms of bowel cancer, including rectal bleeding. The site discusses risk factors, diagnosis processes, and when to be concerned about bleeding.
- Crohn’s & Colitis UK - Living with IBD Crohn's & Colitis UK discusses living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which can cause rectal bleeding. The site provides advice on managing symptoms, including dietary suggestions and accessing healthcare support.
Useful links from: Bleeding from the bottom rectal bleeding
- NHS - Rectal Bleeding This page provides an overview of rectal bleeding, including potential causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical advice.
- NHS - Bowel Cancer The NHS resource on bowel cancer, detailing symptoms including rectal bleeding, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention tips.
- Bowel Cancer UK - Symptoms Bowel Cancer UK provides information on bowel cancer symptoms such as rectal bleeding, and offers guidance on when to consult a healthcare professional.
- Crohn’s & Colitis UK - Symptoms This Crohn’s & Colitis UK publication focuses on rectal bleeding as a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease and offers advice for patients.
Useful links from: Evidence-Based Interventions: haemorrhoid surgery
- NHS - Haemorrhoid Treatment This page on the NHS website provides comprehensive information on the treatment of haemorrhoids, including surgical options such as haemorrhoidectomy and stapled haemorrhoidopexy.
- Bowel Cancer UK - Haemorrhoid Information Bowel Cancer UK offers detailed information on haemorrhoids, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options like surgery.
- NHS Inform - Haemorrhoids NHS Inform is a reliable resource that provides an overview of haemorrhoid symptoms, causes, and various treatment approaches, including surgical interventions.
- The British Haemorrhoid Centre The British Haemorrhoid Centre offers specialized information and treatment options for haemorrhoids, including minimally invasive surgical procedures.
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- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
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