Piles (haemorrhoids)
Piles (haemorrhoids)
Piles, also called haemorrhoids, are swollen lumps that form in and around the anus (the opening where the bowel movement passes).
Common Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if you have piles and:
- you're bleeding continuously
- there's a lot of blood, or you see large blood clots
- you're in severe pain
Contact your GP practice urgently if you have piles and:
- you have a very high or very low temperature, such as feeling hot or cold to touch, or shivering
- you're bleeding from your anus
- pus is leaking from your piles
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111.
Contact your GP practice if:
- your piles symptoms are getting worse
- your symptoms are not improving
- you keep getting piles
- you notice a change in the appearance of your anus
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if you have piles and:
- you're bleeding continuously
- there's a lot of blood, or you see large blood clots
- you're in severe pain
Contact your GP practice urgently if you have piles and:
- you have a very high or very low temperature, such as feeling hot or cold to touch, or shivering
- you're bleeding from your anus
- pus is leaking from your piles
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111.
Contact your GP practice if:
- your piles symptoms are getting worse
- your symptoms are not improving
- you keep getting piles
- you notice a change in the appearance of your anus
Causes
What causes piles?
The exact cause of piles isn't clear.
Certain things may raise your chances of developing piles, such as:
- constipation
- straining too hard while passing stool
- lifting heavy objects
- pregnancy
- growing older
- being overweight or obese
Diagnosis
Your GP can diagnose piles by examining your back passage to check for swollen blood vessels.
Some people feel shy about seeing their GP for this. But there's no need to feel embarrassed, GPs diagnose and treat piles all the time.
Do tell your GP about all your symptoms, including if:
- you've recently lost a lot of weight
- your bowel movements have changed
- your stools have become dark or sticky
Treatment
Treatment for piles
Piles often clear up by themselves after a few days. However, there are many treatments that can help with itching or discomfort.
Treatment from a pharmacist
Speak to a pharmacist about treatments for piles. They can recommend treatments like:
- creams to ease pain, itching and swelling
- laxatives to help constipation and soften poo
- cold packs to help discomfort
Many pharmacies have private rooms if you don’t want to be overheard.
Hospital treatment for piles
If there’s no improvement to piles after home treatments, your GP may refer you for hospital treatment. They can confirm whether you have piles and recommend appropriate treatment.
Treatment without surgery
Common hospital treatments include:
- rubber band ligation – a band is placed around piles to cut off the blood supply and make them fall off
- sclerotherapy – a liquid is injected into piles to make them shrink
- electrotherapy – a gentle electric current is applied to piles to make them shrink
- infrared coagulation – an infrared light is used to cut off the blood supply to piles which makes them shrink
You’ll be awake during these treatments, but the area may be numbed. You should be able to go home on the same day.
If these treatments don’t work, you may need surgery to remove them.
Surgical treatments
Surgical treatments include:
- haemorrhoidectomy – where piles are cut out
- stapled haemorrhoidopexy – piles are stapled back inside your anus
- haemorrhoidal artery ligation – stitches are used to cut off the blood supply to piles to make them shrink
You’ll be asleep during these treatments. You may be able to go home on the same day as the procedure.