Hemorrhoids are diseases that occur in the lower rectum and the tissues around the anus due to the accumulation of blood in the veins around the anus. Hemorrhoids are one of the typical symptoms of hemorrhoids, which refers to a condition in which the venous plexus in the anus or lower rectum grows and stretches to form a lump. It is largely classified into internal hemorrhoids, where the hemorrhoid tissue protrudes out of the anus, external hemorrhoids formed in the form of lumps when the hemorrhoid tissue swells outside the anus, and mixed hemorrhoids, where the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids occur complexly.
Although the main cause of hemorrhoids is not yet clear, increasing the pressure of the venous blood vessels in the rectum and anus due to various wrong bowel habits such as sitting on the toilet for a long time or applying excessive force during defecation has a significant effect on the occurrence. known to be. In addition, genetic factors such as family history, standing or sitting for long periods of time, and excessive drinking can also cause the blood vessels around the anus to enlarge and cause hemorrhoids.
In addition, the increase in intra-abdominal pressure due to pregnancy and childbirth and the occurrence of blood vessel congestion around the anus due to hormones during pregnancy have a significant effect on the occurrence of hemorrhoids and worsening of symptoms. Recently, the occurrence of various environmental factors such as westernized eating habits, sitting for a long time, overwork, and stress are overlapping, and the incidence is increasing, and it is reported that the increase is increasing every year. Now, let’s take a closer look at the main symptoms of hemorrhoids, as well as various information on treatment and prevention.
Hemorrhoids main symptoms
The symptoms of hemorrhoids are slightly different depending on internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. The mucosal tissue above the dentate line, where internal hemorrhoids occur, is more loosely attached to the anal wall than the skin tissue. This causes prolapse, a condition in which the rectum protrudes out of the anus. Also, since the mucosal tissue is weaker than the skin, bleeding from wounds may occur during bowel movements. However, the mucosal tissue does not have a distribution of sensory nerves compared to the skin tissue, so most patients with internal hemorrhoids do not feel any pain.
These internal hemorrhoids are usually classified into grades 1 to 4 depending on the degree of progression. 1st degree hemorrhoids refers to the protrusion of venous congestion into the anal canal and intermittent bleeding at the same time, and 2nd degree hemorrhoids refers to the type of hemorrhoids that come down to the entrance to the anus and return to their original position with the cessation of defecation. And 3rd degree hemorrhoids, which are caused by worsening symptoms in these 2nd degree hemorrhoids, means that the hemorrhoids easily come out of the anus and must be pushed in to enter again. say that
Hemorrhoids outside the anus swell and feel like a lump, but bleeding and prolapse do not occur easily. will be able to In the case of mixed hemorrhoids in which internal and external hemorrhoids are combined, all symptoms of internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids occur in combination.
Hemorrhoids Treatment and Prevention
1. Multiple tests and appropriate treatment
Hemorrhoids are diagnosed through the examination process through symptom confirmation and at the same time through rectal numerical examination. In addition, in people over the age of 50, colonoscopy is sometimes performed to differentiate bleeding due to colorectal cancer. When hemorrhoids are diagnosed through these tests, if the progression is 1 to 2 degrees, conservative therapy such as improvement of eating habits, sitz bathing, and bowel habits improvement, and drug therapy with suppositories, ointments, and laxatives are performed. will do. However, if hemorrhoids are grade 3 or 4, or if conservative treatment does not improve, surgical treatment to remove the hemorrhoids itself is considered. And after hemorrhoid surgery, it is important to keep the area around the anus warm all the time to make it easier for blood to flow, especially in winter, when hemorrhoids recur easily.
2. Improving bad bowel habits
Excessive force on the stomach during defecation and the habit of sitting on the toilet for more than 10 minutes can cause hemorrhoids, so it is recommended to improve it. In addition, it is recommended to avoid sitting for long periods of time or sitting in a cold place for a long time as this can worsen the symptoms of hemorrhoids. 5 minutes of light stretching or gymnastics after sitting for an hour or two can help. It is also said to be a good way to regularly do various exercises such as abdominal exercises and swimming to facilitate bowel movements. In addition, taking a sitz bath in warm water for 5-10 minutes every day helps to maintain blood circulation and cleanliness around the anus, which is said to help improve the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
3. Eat fiber-rich foods and plenty of water
In order to prevent hemorrhoids and to prevent worsening of symptoms, it is effective to drink plenty of water a day and to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and seaweeds rich in dietary fiber. Bananas, apples, strawberries, figs, kiwis, cabbage, eggplant, carrots, seaweed, and kelp are among the typical foods high in dietary fiber, so it is recommended to consume them regularly. In addition, please note that yogurt, aloe, honey, walnuts, sweet potato, potato, persimmon leaf tea, brown rice, barley, and other foods also help prevent hemorrhoids and improve symptoms.
On the other hand, various processed foods and instant foods with a high fat content and a lot of oil absorb water in the intestine and cause constipation, which accounts for a large proportion of the cause of hemorrhoids, and it is important to control intake because it prevents smooth intestinal metabolism. It’s important. In addition, excessive drinking is also known as a major factor in the occurrence of hemorrhoids by lowering intestinal function and dilating blood vessels, so it is a good way to avoid it as much as possible.
