I have piles and have been suffering a lot with back pain. What can I do?

If you are experiencing piles and back pain, I would recommend you drink plenty of plain, still water and eat fibrous foods (wholegrains, berries, nuts and seeds) that will keep you stools soft. At the same time, alcohol and caffeine content should be kept to a minimum. A warm bath or an ice pack wrapped in a towel can also bring relief.

A pharmacist can also offer some creams or treatment to ease the discomfort. You should see your doctor, however, if the issue doesn't improve after a week, or if the problem is recurrent. If your symptoms are accompanied by a fever, pus or you feel otherwise unwell, seek medical advice straight away.

I hope this is helpful, and I do hope the issue clears up swiftly.