Pressure, heaviness in the back passage

Cause This is a quite a common feeling which causes some distress – however without any other of the three key symptoms it is of little significance other than the distress it causes.

Treatment It is important you avoid too much straining by keeping the motions soft and easy to pass. If you have tried eating more roughage and your symptoms persist it is quite safe to take laxatives.

What next? If it gets better nothing further needs to be done. If not it is a matter of making sure there is no serious cause for your symptoms by your doctor doing a finger examination of your back passage. This symptom can be difficult to cure although in the majority of cases it usually dissipates with time.

However if you also have any of the three key symptoms try the ‘Symptom Checker’.