Symptoms 

Symptoms of haemorrhoids vary depending on the type.

Symptoms of external haemorrhoids include:

• Itching in the anal area
• Near your anus, there may be a hard, tender lump
• Pain in the anal region, especially when seated

The symptoms of anus may worsen if you strain, rub, or clean the area around it too much. Symptoms of external haemorrhoids usually disappear within a few days for most people.

Symptoms of internal haemorrhoids include:

• After a bowel movement, you might notice bright red blood in your stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl
• Having a haemorrhoid prolapse, which is when it falls into your anal opening

Unless prolapsed, internal haemorrhoids are rarely painful. A prolapsed internal haemorrhoid may be painful and uncomfortable.

Home Remedies

Home remedies for haemorrhoids include:

• Fiber-rich foods
• Fiber supplements or stool softeners
• Keeping hydrated at all times
• During bowel movements, avoid straining
• Avoid long periods of sitting on the toilet
• The use of over-the-counter pain relievers
• Several warm baths a day can relieve pain. It could be a regular bath or a sitz bath. In a sitz bath, you sit in warm water in a special plastic tub.
• To relieve mild pain, swelling, and itching caused by external haemorrhoids, use creams, ointments, or suppositories available over-the-counter

Consult your doctor if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:

• Symptoms persist after 1 week of at-home treatment
• Experiencing rectal bleeding. In addition to haemorrhoids, bleeding can also be caused by other conditions. Anal cancer, colorectal cancer, and Crohn’s disease are among them. It is therefore important to see your provider to find out why you are bleeding.

Diagnosis

Physical examination and sometimes a procedure like anoscopy can be performed to diagnose haemorrhoids. 

Medical Treatments

Haemorrhoids can be treated at home, but you may need a medical procedure if those treatments don’t work. Several different non-major procedures can be performed by doctors. They aim to cut off the blood supply, which usually shrinks the haemorrhoids by forming a scar tissue near the affected veins. You may need surgery in severe cases.

To discuss diagnosis and treatment options, please book an appointment with our specialist.

To learn more about piles, please click on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/

Dr Ibrahim Yahli MD MRCPsych