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Haemorrhoids (Piles) Medications

What are hemorrhoids and piles?

Haemorrhoids (also known as piles) may be an embarrassing topic for some people but it is actually a fairly common condition. With haemorrhoids/piles, you get small lumps around or inside your rectum and anus.

Some people do not experience symptoms but for some people, piles can be incredibly painful or itchy and you may notice blood when you go to the toilet. It is important to get help if you feel like you may have hemorrhoids because they can range from mild to moderate (which can be treated with medication for piles over the counter) to more severe stages of piles that require surgery.

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins that have clumped together and can get bigger. You might notice lumps around your anus or inside your rectum. They can feel painful or itchy and you may notice some bright red blood or mucus after you poo.

Hemorrhoids usually develop because of increased pressure in the veins often due to constant straining. So if you are finding blood when you wipe, and you are sitting on the toilet for long periods of time straining, then you may be at risk of piles.

How do hemorrhoids/piles occur?

There is a network of veins in the walls of the rectum or anal canal that your poo passes through to go from the digestive tract to leave the body. If there is high pressure, these veins can become swollen with more blood.

This can become a problem when the swollen veins merge with other swollen veins or tissue around it; we call these combined structures haemorrhoids or piles. If you suspect you have piles, you should consult a medical professional.

You can get internal piles or external piles:

Internal piles	External piles
these usually start deeper in the rectum if they become big, they might hang outside the anus	these usually start near the surface or outside opening of the rectum but even though they are called ‘external’ piles, you might not see them

You might notice that the haemorrhoids/piles may protrude when you strain to use the toilet. Haemorrhoids can also become strangulated (these are called thrombosed piles) when their blood supply is blocked off. This might happen if a muscle traps a large haemorrhoid. Strangulated haemorrhoids are rare but very painful. If you get this, you may require hospital treatment.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of piles depend on how serious or what stage the hemorrhoids / piles are (e.g Grade 1-4). Factors like size and location of the piles are also important. Some people have no symptoms at all. Here is an overview of the symptoms of piles:

Piles grade	Symptoms
Grade 1	small lumps you cannot see or feel the lumps from the outside of the rectum
Grade 2	lumps that may be pushed out slightly when you strain to poo the lumps go back in when you stop straining
Grade 3	lumps that hang out when you use the toilet the lumps only go back in when you push them
Grade 4	large lumps that hang down from the rectum unable to push them back in

Aside from the actual lumps, people often report additional symptoms:

bright red blood after going to poo, you might notice this when you wipe
internal piles are usually not painful, external piles can be painful and itchy
feeling like you have not emptied your bowels after you have just gone to the toilet to poo
mucus around the anus or on the toilet paper when you wipe

Your doctor may prescribe some piles treatment medicine depending on the severity of the hemorrhoid. This might be creams or ointment to reduce the inflammation which can help relieve the itching and swelling. You might also benefit from painkillers or stool softeners.

What are the treatment options for hemorrhoids and piles?

Luckily, there are many treatment options for hemorrhoids/piles. The treatment of piles can range from over-the-counter piles cream and tablets as well lifestyle changes at the mild to moderate stage to prescription haemorrhoid cream at the more serious stage.

Prescription medications and hemorrhoid treatment

Prescription drugs for piles are usually for slightly more serious cases where over-the-counter treatments have not worked. Some prescription medication for hemorrhoids include:

Topical corticosteroids

- - Hydrocortisone prescription cream for piles such as Anusol cream or Anusol suppositories
  - Anusol cream or suppositories can help reduce inflammation which can relieve symptoms of itching.
  - It can also help reduce the size of the hemorrhoids
  - using a cream or a suppository can help provide targeted relief
  - you can buy Anusol cream after a quick online consultation at Medsforless
  - these are for short-term use only

local anaesthetics

- e.g lidocaine, pramocaine. Local anaesthetic that can numb the pain but they should only be used for a short period of time

For more very severe cases where haemorrhoid tablets and creams have not helped, banding treatment or other surgical procedures may be needed to cut out the hemorrhoids.

Over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatment

Cream for piles or over-the-counter painkillers are the first line medical treatments for hemorrhoids. You can buy them at pharmacies and they can effectively treat mild or early stage symptoms:

topical creams for piles over the counter

- - this can help reduce the swelling and uncomfortable feeling

suppositories

- - you put these into the rectum
  - this can help treat internal hemorrhoids

painkillers

- - if the hemorrhoids are causing pain, common painkillers like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain

laxatives

- if you experience constipation, a bulk laxative such as ispaghula husk or methylcellulose can be used to help soften and enlarge poo so it stimulates the bowel and is easier to pass

Lifestyle and dietary changes

Aside from creams or oral medication for piles, there are several lifestyle and dietary changes that can help you prevent and manage hemorrhoids. For example:

Eat a diet high in fibre	Eating more foods high in fibre can help make your poo softer which means it is easier to pass and you are less likely to strain Foods rich in fibre include: fruits, vegetables, grains
Drink more water	Drinking more water can help make your poo softer and easier to pass without straining
Exercise regularly	Regular exercise can reduce the pressure in your veins and prevent constipation
Try not to strain	Try not to sit on the toilet straining for long periods of time
Urge	Go to the toilet when you feel the need to go and try not to hold it in

How to prevent hemorrhoids/piles?

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids/piles is to make lifestyle changes. Hemorrhoids are formed because of veins swelling from high pressure and clumping together. Therefore, as you will see from the list below, the key point is to avoid creating high pressure in the veins in the rectum from things such as hard stools and straining.

Eat a high fibre diet: e.g vegetables, grains, legumes

1. - Increasing the fibre in your diet can help make your poo softer and bulkier. This makes them easier to pass and reduces the need to strain to pass the poo.

Drink lots of water

1. - Drinking more water softens your poo and makes it easier to pass poo without straining

Exercise regularly

1. - Regular physical activity helps to stimulate your bowels and can reduce the pressure on the veins

Avoid sitting for long periods of time

1. - Especially try not to sit on the toilet for long periods of time straining as this puts high pressures on the veins in the rectum
  - Also try not to wipe harshly after you use the toilet

Respond to urges

- Try not to hold in poo if you feel like you need to go. Respond to the urge of needing to go and go to the toilet as soon as you feel it. This can help reduce pressure building up in the rectal veins

FAQ

Does Sudocrem help Hemorrhoids?

Sudocrem can be helpful for soothing the itchiness and pain associated with piles, offering a cooling and calming effect. However, it’s best used as a temporary measure. For proper treatment of haemorrhoids, medications specifically designed for the condition, such as Anusol Cream , are recommended. These specialised treatments contain ingredients that target inflammation and provide more effective relief from Haemorrhoid symptoms. If you’re experiencing discomfort due to piles, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for comprehensive treatment and advice.

How long do Haemorrhoid suppositories take to work?

The time it takes for a suppository like Anusol Suppositories to work depends on the specific product you are using, but it generally ranges from around 10 minutes to 1 hour. Several factors can affect how quickly a suppository dissolves and starts providing relief, including the type of active ingredients and the person’s body temperature and condition. Be sure to follow the usage instructions on the packaging or as advised by your healthcare provider. If you don’t notice any relief within a reasonable timeframe or experience adverse effects, consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance.

Are Haemorrhoids inherited?

Haemorrhoids are primarily caused by lifestyle factors, with certain medical conditions contributing to their development. Prolonged sitting, a sedentary lifestyle, and lack of physical activity are common contributors to haemorrhoids, as these factors can increase pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus. Other lifestyle-related causes include straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, and a diet low in fibre. Additionally, conditions like pregnancy can increase the risk due to the added pressure on the lower abdomen. Age also plays a role, as tissues supporting the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken over time. While genetics may have some influence, it’s generally the lifestyle issues that make people more prone to haemorrhoid flare-ups.

What is Anusol cream used for?

Anusol Cream is designed to provide soothing relief from the discomfort associated with internal and external piles (haemorrhoids), fissures, and anal itching. This versatile cream contains active ingredients that work to soothe itching, reduce the swelling of piles, and prevent bacterial growth, which can aid in the healing process. Whether you’re dealing with the irritation of haemorrhoids or the discomfort of anal fissures, Anusol Cream offers a targeted solution to help reduce symptoms and promote recovery. Its combination of soothing and antibacterial properties makes it an effective choice for those seeking relief from common anal conditions.

How long for Anusol to work?

Anusol Cream typically takes between 5 and 7 days to show noticeable results. However, several factors can influence how quickly you experience relief. The size and severity of the haemorrhoid play a role in determining the healing time, and individual differences in application and frequency of use can also affect outcomes. It’s important to follow the instructions for use and be consistent with application to achieve the best results. If you do not notice improvement within a week or if symptoms worsen, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or you can contact our medical team at info@medsforless.co.uk

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