5 'hidden' culprits that cause the obsession called hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can occur at any age but are more common in people aged 45-65. Although not life-threatening, hemorrhoids are a silent “enemy” that threatens the quality of life, making many people embarrassed and self-conscious.

Hemorrhoids are divided into two types: internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids - Illustration

5 "hidden" culprits that lead to hemorrhoids

Sharing about this disease, Dr. Pham Nhu Hoa - Center for Digestive and Liver Diseases, Bach Mai Hospital said that hemorrhoids (or commonly known as prolapsed dom) are formed when the venous plexus in the anal-rectal area is overstretched, forming inflamed hemorrhoids.

Depending on the location, the disease is divided into two types. Internal hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids hidden inside the anal canal, often cause bleeding but little pain. External hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids appear at the edge of the anus, easily cause pain, burning, itching.

According to Dr. Hoa, "hemorrhoids spare no one" - from young people to the elderly, especially pregnant women, office workers or drivers - people who often sit for long periods of time and have little exercise - are all at high risk. Hemorrhoids do not appear naturally, the cause comes from your daily habits.

There are 5 reasons that lead to hemorrhoids including:

- First : Sitting for a long time is the number 1 "enemy" of the anus. Sitting continuously for 4-5 hours, this unintentionally increases pressure on the anal veins, hinders blood circulation, causing them to swell.

- Second is a diet lacking in fiber. A "nightmare" for the digestive system is a diet high in meat, low in vegetables, and low in water. Straining when going to the toilet is the final "push" that causes the anal veins to swell.

- Third is the pregnancy process. Pregnancy becomes a double "burden": the growing fetus compresses the pelvic area, combined with the pushing of the baby, causing 50% of mothers to face hemorrhoids after giving birth.

- The fourth factor to mention is stress - the "silent killer". Prolonged stress causes digestive disorders, leading to constipation or diarrhea, both of which "help" hemorrhoids develop.

- The fifth reason is that holding back from going to the toilet can be considered a "time bomb". Delaying "resolving your troubles" causes stool to accumulate, dry out, and put great pressure on the anus.

Early detection of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids often develop silently, but your body always has a way of "speaking up". According to Dr. Nhu Hoa, there are 4 "red alert" signs that we cannot ignore. Below are the symptoms to be aware of:

Bleeding - The first "bell": Bright red blood on toilet paper, dripping into the toilet bowl or mixed in with stool. This is the earliest sign of internal hemorrhoids.

Itching and burning - "Alarm" of infection: Mucus from hemorrhoids irritates the anal skin, causing a burning sensation, especially when sitting for a long time.

Painful swelling - "Scream for help" from the anus: Soft lump appears at the edge of the anus (external hemorrhoids) or feeling of obstruction when going to the toilet (prolapsed internal hemorrhoids).

Pain - A "consequence" that cannot be ignored: Dull or severe pain when hemorrhoids become thrombosed (blood clots form).

Note that rectal bleeding can also be a sign of polyps, enteritis or colorectal cancer. "Do not be subjective, see a doctor immediately if symptoms last more than 3 days" - Dr. Hoa emphasized.

5 Simple Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Hemorrhoids

Dr. Hoa recommends 5 steps to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids:

1. Eat smart - The top "weapon": Increase fiber from sweet potato leaves, Malabar spinach, papaya, bananas. Drink enough 2 liters of water/day, limit spicy foods, alcohol - foods that "fuel" hemorrhoids.

2. Exercise - "Medicine" for blood circulation: Walking 30 minutes/day or doing light yoga helps stimulate intestinal motility, eliminating constipation.

3. Go to the toilet properly - How to protect the anus: Do not sit for more than 5 minutes, avoid "gluing your eyes" to the phone when going to the toilet. Clean gently with soft paper or wash with warm water, wipe from front to back to prevent infection.

4. Relaxation - The "key" to balanced digestion: Get 7-8 hours of sleep, meditate or listen to music to reduce stress - an unexpected factor that causes hemorrhoids.

5. Soak in warm water - "Secret" to reduce swelling and pain: Soaking the anus in warm water for 10 minutes every night helps increase blood circulation and relieve discomfort.

Hemorrhoid treatment by level

Depending on the severity, the doctor will choose the appropriate method. Mild cases (level 1, 2) can be improved by changing lifestyle, changing to a high-fiber diet, drinking enough water. Combine topical/rectal suppositories as prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching.

For moderate hemorrhoids (grade 3), gentle intervention can be performed using rubber band ligation. The doctor uses a band to tie the base of the hemorrhoids, causing them to fall off after 5-7 days (85-90% effective according to research by Iyer et al., 2019). In addition, sclerotherapy can be injected, which is a specific drug that shrinks hemorrhoids, suitable for cases of heavy bleeding.

Severe hemorrhoids (grade 4) can be treated completely with surgery. This method is applied when the hemorrhoids prolapse a lot and cannot be retracted. Laser or high frequency wave technology helps reduce pain and recover quickly.

Dr. Hoa recommends that 90% of hemorrhoid patients can be successfully treated if detected early. Do not let fear cause the disease to progress, leading to dangerous complications such as anemia and infection.

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LINH HAN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/5-thu-pham-giau-mat-gay-ra-noi-am-anh-mang-ten-benh-tri-20250511081230911.htm