Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels found inside or around the bottom In many cases, haemorrhoids don't cause symptoms and some people don't even realise they have them. But when symptoms do occur, they may include: •Itchiness, soreness and/or inflammation around the anus •Bleeding when passing stool (the blood will be bright red) •Mucous discharge after passing stool •Discomfort or pain when going to the loo •Feeling like the bowels need to be emptied even after going to the toilet •A bulging or lumpy feeling just inside the back passage •A hard lump(s) protruding from the bottom •Occasional sharp pains up the bottom A dragging sensation in the back passage.