OTC - haemorrhoids

Question 1

Haemorrhoids symptoms

Answer 1

Pain on defecation or sitting
Slight rectal bleeding
Perianal itching and burning
Swelling, soreness in perineum

Question 2

Haemorrhoids referral

Answer 2

Dark tarry stools indicating a bleed in the upper gastrointestinal tract (if it is specks of bright red blood not a cause of concern, usually caused by haemorrhoids)

Abdominal pain

Nausea

Vomiting

Loss of apetite

Altered bowel habit (may indicate colorectal cancer)

Tenesmus

Severe sharp stabbing pain (may indicate anal fissures)

Symptoms > 3 weeks

Question 3

Haemorrhoids causes

Answer 3

Hard stool due to straining
Elderly
Pregnancy

Question 4

Haemorrhoids treatment

Answer 4

Soothing agents, e.g anusol
zinc oxide, benzyl benzoate

Mild astringents, e.g preparation H
Bismuth, zinc oxide

Local anaesthetics: 12+ e.g germaloids
lidocaine

Products with hydrocortisone: 18+
e.g Anusol plus HC
Should be used 7 days max. Avoid in pregnancy or breastfeeding

Question 5

Lifestyle advice

Answer 5

Increase fibre in diet
Increase fluid intake
Thoroughly clean anal area