Hemorrhoids in Brampton: A Frank Guide to Comfort and Care

Hemorrhoids are one of those health problems that many people quietly put up with rather than ask about. Itching, discomfort when sitting, or noticing bright red blood on the toilet paper can be worrying and embarrassing in equal measure. Yet hemorrhoids are extremely common. Many adults will experience them at some point, and they are particularly common during pregnancy, after childbirth, and in people who deal with constipation or spend long hours sitting.

The good news is that most hemorrhoids improve with simple changes to bowel habits and short-term use of pharmacy products. Knowing what helps, and recognising when symptoms need a doctor, can save weeks of discomfort and worry.

This article takes a straightforward look at what hemorrhoids are, why they happen, how to ease symptoms, and how the pharmacists at Pharmasave WestBram on Pertosa Drive can help. Ontario pharmacists can assess hemorrhoids as part of the minor ailment program, and conversations can always be held privately.

What hemorrhoids actually are

Everyone has hemorrhoids. They are normal cushions of blood vessels and supportive tissue inside the anal canal that help control bowel movements. The problem people call “hemorrhoids” happens when these cushions become swollen, irritated or stretched.

There are two main types:

• Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum. They are usually painless because the area has few pain-sensing nerves, but they can bleed, typically bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl. Sometimes they bulge out through the anus (prolapse) during a bowel movement and then go back in on their own or with gentle pressure.
• External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus. They can itch, ache or feel lumpy, especially when sitting. If a blood clot forms inside one, it can become suddenly very painful and swollen, appearing as a firm, bluish lump. This is called a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

Why they develop

Hemorrhoids develop when pressure increases in the veins of the lower rectum. Common contributing factors include:

• Straining during bowel movements, often due to constipation
• Sitting on the toilet for long periods, including scrolling on a phone
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Pregnancy, due to pressure from the growing uterus and hormonal changes
• Childbirth, especially after a long pushing stage
• Heavy lifting at work or the gym
• Long periods of sitting, as truck drivers, office workers and long-distance commuters often experience
• Aging, as supportive tissues weaken
• Excess weight

Many of these factors are part of daily life in a commuter city like Brampton, where people may spend hours driving the 410 or 401, sitting at desks, or working long warehouse shifts.

For people with long driving or desk days, small adjustments add up. Standing up and walking for a few minutes every hour or so, using breaks to stretch, and avoiding sitting on a hard surface for hours at a time can reduce pressure on the area. Truck and delivery drivers may find it helpful to plan regular stops where they can move around and use a washroom without rushing.

Weightlifters and people who lift heavy loads at work sometimes hold their breath and bear down during a lift, which raises pressure in the abdomen. Learning to breathe out during the effort, using appropriate loads, and getting help with very heavy items can help. If hemorrhoids flare after heavy lifting, it is reasonable to reduce the load for a while and ask a pharmacist about symptom relief.

Bowel habits that ease pressure

Because straining and hard stools are central to hemorrhoid problems, improving bowel habits is the most important long-term step:

• Increase fibre gradually from vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains, aiming for soft, easy-to-pass stools.
• Drink enough fluids through the day.
• Do not delay when you feel the urge to go.
• Avoid straining or holding your breath while pushing.
• Limit time on the toilet. Leave the phone outside the bathroom, and get up if nothing happens after a few minutes.
• Use a small footstool to raise your knees, which can make passing stool easier.
• Stay active. Regular walking helps the bowel move.

A fibre supplement such as psyllium may help when diet alone is not enough. Start slowly, drink plenty of water and follow the label. If constipation is a regular problem, our pharmacists can help you find a gentle, sensible approach.

Soothing symptoms at home

For a flare of itching or discomfort, several simple measures can help:

• Warm sitz baths. Sitting in a few centimetres of warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes, a few times a day and after bowel movements, can relieve itching and discomfort. Sitz bath basins that fit over the toilet are available.
• Gentle cleaning. Use plain water or unscented, alcohol-free wipes, and pat dry rather than rubbing. Avoid scented soaps and wipes, which can irritate.
• Cold packs wrapped in a cloth can ease swelling for short periods.
• Cushions. A soft cushion may make sitting more comfortable.
• Loose cotton underwear reduces friction and moisture.

Avoid scratching, which can damage the skin and worsen itching.

Pharmacy products and how they differ

Pharmacies carry a range of creams, ointments, suppositories and pads for hemorrhoids. They can contain different types of ingredients:

• Protectants, such as zinc oxide, which form a barrier over irritated skin
• Local anaesthetics, which numb pain and itching
• Vasoconstrictors, which can temporarily shrink swollen tissue
• Corticosteroids, such as low-strength hydrocortisone, which reduce inflammation and itch
• Astringents, such as witch hazel, which may soothe

Products with corticosteroids are generally intended for short-term use only, because prolonged use can thin the delicate skin in the area. Local anaesthetics can sometimes cause skin reactions. Some ingredients may not be suitable for people with high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes or thyroid problems, or during pregnancy.

Follow the label directions, do not use these products for longer than recommended, and ask the pharmacist which type fits your symptoms.

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy and after childbirth

Hemorrhoids are very common in the later stages of pregnancy and in the weeks after birth. Constipation from hormonal changes and iron supplements, plus pressure on pelvic veins, both contribute. Fibre, fluids, sitz baths and gentle activity are usually the first steps. Many hemorrhoid products are not tested in pregnancy, so check with your pharmacist or prenatal care provider before using any of them, including stool softeners.

Most pregnancy-related hemorrhoids improve after delivery as pressure decreases.

Rectal bleeding: when to see a doctor

Small amounts of bright red blood on toilet paper are a common sign of hemorrhoids, but bleeding should never simply be assumed to be from hemorrhoids, particularly the first time it happens or if you are over about 45 to 50. Other conditions, including anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps and colorectal cancer, can also cause bleeding.

See a doctor promptly if you notice:

• Rectal bleeding for the first time, or bleeding that is heavy or persistent
• Dark red, maroon or black stools
• Blood mixed into the stool rather than on the surface
• A change in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks
• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue or signs of anemia
• A family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
• Severe pain, especially with a hard, swollen lump
• Hemorrhoids that stay prolapsed and cannot be pushed back
• Fever with anal pain

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, dizziness or feeling faint. Ontario has a colorectal cancer screening program for people at average risk in certain age groups; ask your doctor or nurse practitioner whether you are due.

How a pharmacist can help with hemorrhoids

Ontario pharmacists can assess and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment for hemorrhoids under the minor ailment program. The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, bowel habits, bleeding, medical history and medications to make sure the situation fits within their scope, and will refer you to a doctor if warning signs are present. See our hemorrhoids page and the minor ailments overview for more information.

The pharmacist can also look at whether any of your medicines might be contributing to constipation. Opioid pain relievers, iron, some antacids and certain other medicines can harden stools. A medication review can be a useful way to look at this; ask whether you qualify.

Making the conversation easier

Many people hesitate to talk about hemorrhoids at a busy counter. A few tips:

• You can call ahead and ask to speak with a pharmacist privately.
• You can ask to talk in a consultation area away from the main counter.
• You can simply say “I have a personal question” to start the conversation.

Pharmacists discuss these topics regularly, and you will not be the first person to ask.

Speak privately with Pharmasave WestBram

Hemorrhoids are common, treatable and nothing to be embarrassed about. If you are unsure which product to choose or whether your symptoms need a doctor, we are here to help, discreetly.

Visit 100 Pertosa Drive, Brampton, ON L6X 0H9, or call (905) 454-5111 to ask a question by phone first. Our contact page has store details, and the booking page lets you request a private consultation.

This post is general information about hemorrhoids. Rectal bleeding and persistent symptoms should always be assessed by a healthcare professional. Ask a pharmacist or physician for advice specific to you.