Abstract
A pharmacist is typically the first healthcare professional to be consulted by a patient with haemorrhoidal disease. In order to be able to advise accordingly, he or she should know how to communicate with such a patient.
Acute perianal thrombosis and haemorrhoidal disease with all its four stages must be distinguished. It is also important to inquire about the bleeding and its character since it may be a manifestation of a more serious condition.
Comprehensive management for haemorrhoidal disease includes topical treatment that must be chosen appropriately, with patient education on its administration. According to current recommendations, venoactive drugs are the mainstay of treatment of haemorrhoidal disease, of which the micronized purified flavonoid fraction has the broadest mechanism of action.
The pharmacist's advice also includes recommendations on lifestyle measures and/or referral to a doctor who can make a decision on semi-invasive or surgical treatment.