Haemorrhoids (piles) are not considered dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, symptoms of haemorrhoids will go away naturally within a few days.
The majority of people may not even realise they have haemorrhoids as they don't experience any symptoms.
The symptoms of haemorrhoids include:
- itchiness around your anus,
- discomfort around your anus, such as feeling sore or it being visibly red,
- excessive straining when passing a stool,
- bleeding after you have passed a stool,
- discharge of mucus present after passing a stool,
- pain while passing a stool, and
- feeling like your bowels are still full and need emptying.
You may also get a hard lump around your anus. This lump is made up of blood clots forming in a small area (known as a thrombosed external haemorrhoid) and can become very painful.
Speak with your GP if you experience pain or discomfort as a result of haemorrhoids. It's also best to speak with your GP if you have blood or mucus in your stools as this can be a sign of another health condition.
