Constipation & Piles
Constipation
Haemorrhoids or Piles
FAQs


Have you got an "embarrassing little problem", one that's "difficult to talk about"? Sometimes it's hard to talk about a problem you think is a bit personal – and to many people constipation or piles are very personal problems! But there's no need to feel embarrassed, or to suffer in silence, because pharmacists give discreet advice about these problems every single day.


Constipation 

There's no such thing as a "normal" number of bowel movements – some people go twice a day, others twice a week. But if your normal routine changes and your faeces become hard and difficult to pass, it could be a sign of constipation. The usual cause of constipation is lack of fibre and fluids in the diet. Changing your diet to one that includes plenty of fruit, vegetables and other high fibre foods - as well as increasing the amount of water you drink - can often help. Some medicines, such as those that contain codeine, may also cause constipation. If you think your medicine may be affecting you in this way, ask your pharmacist for advice.

As a short-term measure, you could use a laxative to treat constipation. Different laxatives work in different ways and your pharmacist will be able to recommend the best form of treatment to suit you. Laxatives shouldn't be used on a regular basis as they can make your bowel lazy - which can make constipation worse - and some types can't be used if you suffer from certain medical conditions.


Haemorrhoids or Piles 

If you have to strain to go to the toilet (particularly if you're constipated) you put pressure on the veins around your anus and they become swollen. These swollen veins are what we know as piles. Piles can be very uncomfortable - they're often painful and itchy, and they can sometimes bleed. If your piles are the result of constipation try making some changes to your diet to treat this, and you may well find that your pile problem resolves itself too.

There are creams, ointments and suppositories available to help soothe painful or itchy piles. There are many products to choose from. Some of the products contain hydrocortisone which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation, but these must not be used for longer than five to seven days and they're not suitable for everyone. Your pharmacist can help you choose an effective treatment. You'll also find that medicated wet wipes are a much kinder alternative to dry toilet paper.


FAQs 

Is becoming constipated a cause for concern?
If your constipation improves after a change of diet or a short-term laxative treatment and your bowel habit returns to normal, then there's generally no need to be concerned. However, if your bowel habit changes from what's normal for you for more than two weeks, or if you notice blood in your faeces, develop abdominal pain, or put on or lose weight, then there could be cause for concern and you must see your doctor immediately.

Why are suppositories sometimes used to treat piles rather than cream or ointment?
Piles are often visible around the anus – they're purple in colour and can look a bit like a bunch of grapes – so it's fairly easy to see or feel them in order to apply the cream or ointment to treat them. But sometimes piles occur inside the anal canal where you can't see them. In this case, suppositories are a better form of treatment. When a suppository is inserted into the back passage it gradually dissolves and the treatment is delivered to where it's needed.