What are some common haemorrhoid symptoms?
As you may guess, suffering from haemorrhoids isn’t pleasant but we’re here to help. The symptoms vary from person to person but here are a few common ones to look out for:2, 3
- Itching, swelling and burning in the rectal area
- Bleeding at the time of bowel movement and/or blood on the toilet paper
- Uncomfortable lumps in the anal region
- Pain or discomfort during a bowel movement
- Mucous discharge after passing stool
Feeling like your bowels need to be emptied even after going to the bathroom
What are Internal Haemorrhoids?
Internal haemorrhoids lie far enough inside the rectum that you can't see or feel them (unless they prolapse). They don't usually hurt because there are few pain-sensing nerves in the rectum. Bleeding may be the only sign that they exist. There are many over-the-counter medications that can help relieve internal haemorrhoid symptoms.4
What are External Haemorrhoids?
External haemorrhoids lie on the outside of your rectum and are usually painful. There are many over-the-counter medications that can help relieve external haemorrhoid symptoms.4
What are piles?
You may have heard people referring to something called piles. Piles is just another term for haemorrhoids.
2 Carruthers-Czyzewski, P. Haemorrhoids. In Patient Self-Care . Canadian Pharmacists Association 2002;287-293
3 Mayo Clinic. Haemorrhoids. 2013. Accessed at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/basics/symptoms/con-20029852 (July 2, 2014)
4 http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-hemorrhoids-basics