--- title: "Haemorrhoids (piles): Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "Haemorrhoids (piles) cause itching, pain or bright red bleeding after pooing — self-care, pharmacy treatments and when to see a GP." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/haemorrhoids/ robots: noindex --- # Haemorrhoids (piles): Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z Haemorrhoids (piles) cause itching, pain or bright red bleeding after pooing — self-care, pharmacy treatments and when to see a GP. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What are haemorrhoids? Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen blood vessels in or around the bottom. They can cause itching, discomfort and bright red bleeding after passing a stool. They are very common, often linked to constipation, and frequently settle with self-care, though any rectal bleeding should be checked by a GP. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Haemorrhoids (piles), including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about haemorrhoids - Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels around the bottom. - They can cause itching, discomfort and bright red bleeding. - They are often linked to constipation and straining. - Any rectal bleeding should be checked by a GP to be sure of the cause. ## What are haemorrhoids? Haemorrhoids, usually called piles, are swollen blood vessels found inside or around the bottom (the anus and lower rectum). They are extremely common and are often caused by increased pressure in the area. Many people get them at some point, and they frequently clear up on their own. ## Symptoms Haemorrhoids may cause: - bright red blood after passing a stool - itching or irritation around the bottom - discomfort, soreness or a feeling of fullness - a lump around or just inside the bottom - mucus discharge Some haemorrhoids cause no symptoms at all. ## What causes them They are usually linked to extra pressure in the lower bowel. Common contributors include constipation and straining, pregnancy, persistent coughing, heavy lifting, and sitting for long periods. Getting older also makes them more likely. ## Treatment and self-help The most important step is to avoid constipation and straining: - eat more fibre and drink plenty of fluids - avoid pushing or straining when you go - keep the area clean and dry - use a cold pack and pharmacy creams or ointments to ease symptoms Most piles improve with these measures. If symptoms are persistent or severe, a GP can advise on further treatments, some of which are simple procedures done in a clinic. ## Why you should still see a GP Although piles are a common and usually harmless cause of bleeding from the bottom, you should always have any rectal bleeding checked, so a GP can confirm the cause and rule out anything more serious. ## ! When to see a GP about haemorrhoids See a GP if you have any bleeding from your bottom, so the cause can be confirmed — do not assume it is piles. Also see a GP if symptoms do not improve with self-care after about a week, or if you have severe pain. Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, or bleeding with dizziness or feeling faint. ## Common questions about haemorrhoids What causes haemorrhoids? They are often caused by increased pressure in and around the bottom — commonly from constipation and straining, but also from pregnancy, persistent coughing, heavy lifting or sitting for long periods. Do haemorrhoids go away on their own? Mild haemorrhoids often improve within a few days to weeks, especially once any constipation is addressed. Treatments from a pharmacy can ease symptoms while they settle. How can I treat haemorrhoids at home? Avoiding constipation is key — eat more fibre, drink plenty of fluids and avoid straining. Keeping the area clean, using a cold pack for discomfort, and pharmacy creams or ointments can all help relieve symptoms. When should bleeding from the bottom be checked? Always. While bright red bleeding is commonly caused by piles, a GP should confirm the cause, as bleeding can occasionally be a sign of something more serious that needs ruling out. What are haemorrhoids (piles)? Haemorrhoids — also searched as “hemorrhoids” — are swollen veins inside or around your bottom, usually caused by straining on the toilet, constipation, pregnancy or sitting for long periods. They commonly cause bright-red bleeding after a poo, itching and a lump. Fibre, fluids and pharmacy creams help most cases. Always see a GP about bleeding from your bottom so other causes can be ruled out. ## Sources - [NHS — Piles (haemorrhoids)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/)