Haemorrhoids

Question 1

When should haemorrhoids be referred to a doctor?

Is there a cure for haemorrhoids?

What else is haemorrhoids associated with?

Answer 1

• people with rectal bleeding who have not been formerly diagnosed with haemorrhoids
• Products for haemorrhoids only temporarily relieve symptoms, they do not cure haemorrhoids
• constipation?

Question 2

What are the symptoms of haemorrhoids?

How long does it take for external haemorrhoids to disappear or improve?

Answer 2

• itching, pain, swelling
• 1 week

Question 3

When does haemorrhoids occur?

Answer 3

They occur when the anal cushions (pillows or vein-containing tissues that seal the anal canaland maintain continence) become engorged and swollen. They can be classified into 2 groups

• Internal haemorrhoids
• external haemorrhoids

Question 4

External

symptoms?

Answer 4

EH, which develop under the skin around the anus. These are typically visible and surround the anal sphincter.

They look like small bunches of grapes and when inflamed become red, very tender, itchy, or painful and usually bleed with every bowel motion.

Question 5

Internal haemorrhoids

symptoms?

Answer 5

IH, which occur inside the lower rectum and are not usually visible

These can cause a feeling of pressure in the rectum and often bleed but are usually painless

occasionally, they may prolapse (pop out) through the rectum with a bowel motion, which can be painful. some either pop back in by themselves or when pushed with a finger, but others may remain prolapsed which can lead to complications

Question 6

What causes Haemorrhoids?

Answer 6

• Chronic (long-lasting) constipation
• Straining during bowel movements
• prolonged sitting on the toilet
  All interfere with blood flow to and from the rectal area and carry the most risk

Pressure or tissue degeneration in the anal region can also be due to ageing, obesty, heavy lifting, chronic diarrhoea, low fibre diet, poor posture, pregnancy

Question 7

What are the main symptoms for haemorrhoids?

Answer 7

• The most reported symptom is bleeding from the rectal area, especially after a bowel motion
• This may be visible either as bright red blood on toilet tissue

-itch

• some people may also report burning or dull pain in the rectal area, especially when trying to pass a bowel motion, or when sitting for long periods

Question 8

What are general sale products?

How do they work?

Answer 8

• Anusol ointment and suppositories (Zinc oxide, peruvian balsam, benzyl benzoate)
• Asteroid ointment (zinc, mentholum, honey)

Astringents (zinc oxide) reduce secretion of mucous and fluids from damaged skin cells and provides a protective barrier

Mentholum provides a cooling effect. Honey soothes and has antimicrobial properties

Skin protectants (eg peruvian balsam) provide a protective coating over the damaged skin, preventing further irritation and relieving itchiness

Benzyl benzoate has weak antiseptic properties

Question 9

What are some pharmacy only products?

How do they work?

Answer 9

Proctosedyl ointment and suppositories (contains cinchocaine and hydrocortisone)

• Anaesthetics (eg cinchocaine) numb the area to relieve pain, burning, and itching
• Anti-inflammatories (eg hydrocortisone) reduce inflammation and swelling of the haemorrhoid, but are recommended only for short term as they can cause skin atrophy

Question 10

What are some pharmacist only treatments?

how does it work

Answer 10

Rectogesic ointment (contains glyceryl trinitrate)

Glyceryl trinitrate relaxes the internal sphincter muscle, allowing anal fissures to heal