Early detection can be treated with medication and sitz baths.
#Company employee Mr. Kang (41) has a secret that he couldn't even tell his wife. He developed constipation and hemorrhoids because he sat in the bathroom for a long time while watching things on his cell phone while using the toilet.
Hemorrhoids are a common anal condition that includes:
Hemorrhoids which are swollen veins in the anus and rectum, fissures which are tears in the lining of the anus, and abscesses which are collections of pus that can form around the anus.
■Hemorrhoids, surgery is the only treatment for severe cases
The early symptoms of hemorrhoids are bleeding and pain. In addition, there is a feeling of residual feces and itching around the anus. As time goes on, the amount of bleeding increases to the point where the toilet bowl turns red, and the blood vessels inside the anus protrude, causing severe pain."
Hemorrhoids are caused by a number of factors, including sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, hard stools, frequent alcohol consumption, a diet low in fiber and high in animal protein, stress, old age, pregnancy, family history, chronic constipation, constipation caused by dieting.
The problem is that most hemorrhoid patients are reluctant to seek treatment. They are embarrassed to seek treatment and have a misconception that it is a hygiene problem, which can lead to pain and worsening of the condition."
Yun-hye Kwon, a professor of colorectal surgery at Uijeongbu University Hospital, explained, "Early hemorrhoids can be sufficiently improved through drug prescriptions and sitz baths. However, caution is needed as surgery is the only treatment option for severe symptoms.
■Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict...Increase in hemorrhoid patients
Hemorrhoids are a condition in which blood vessels in the anus swell and protrude out of the anus. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including sitting for long periods of time in a cold place or straining while passing stool due to constipation.
The exact cause of hemorrhoids has not yet been determined. However, it is known that straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, constipation, and alcohol consumption can worsen hemorrhoids. In particular, it is known that symptoms worsen in the cold winter due to blood vessel constriction and poor blood circulation. In fact, according to a 2019 statistics from the National Health Insurance Corporation, out of about 170,000 annual hemorrhoid surgeries, winter surgeries account for 49,000 cases.
Hemorrhoids are classified into four stages:
Stage 1: Bleeding occurs during bowel movements, but the hemorrhoid does not protrude from the anus,
Stage 2: The hemorrhoid protrudes from the anus during bowel movements, but it goes back in on its own.
Stage 3: The hemorrhoid protrudes from the anus during bowel movements and needs to be pushed back in by hand.
Stage 4: The hemorrhoid protrudes from the anus during bowel movements and cannot be pushed back in by hand.
Hemorrhoids in stages 1 and 2 can be treated with sitz baths or medications, but hemorrhoids in stages 3 or 4 may require surgery depending on the severity of the condition.
■Hard stools and diarrhea can cause anal fissures
Anal fissure is a condition in which the lining of the anus is torn, usually due to hard stools or diarrhea. It is characterized by a sharp, stabbing pain during bowel movements. Blood may also be present on toilet paper or in the stool after a bowel movement. Anal fissures are more common in women than in men.
Acute anal fissures can often be treated with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding straining during bowel movements, increasing fiber intake, and drinking plenty of fluids. Sitz baths may also help to relieve pain and inflammation.
■Beware of fistula if you have had inflammatory bowel disease for a long time
Fistula is a disease that creates an abnormal passage around the anus. It can cause pain, swelling, discharge, and bleeding around the anus. It is most often caused by hemorrhoids, chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, and perianal abscesses.
Even patients who have not felt any symptoms of fistulas in the past may experience symptoms after inflammation develops in the anus due to fatigue, overeating, or severe diarrhea. If left untreated, the fistula can become complicated and difficult to treat, and in rare cases, it can even develop into fistula cancer. Therefore, early treatment is important.
Professor Kwon Yoon-hye said, "Even if patients are aware of the symptoms because they have bowel movements every day, most of them do not seek treatment due to the nature of the area. Most importantly, it is important to take a proactive attitude and seek medical attention at a hospital.
■Frequently consume fiber and keep bowel movements within 5 minutes
To prevent hemorrhoids, it is important to eat foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and seaweed. It is also good to limit the time spent on the toilet to 5 minutes or less. This is because one of the main causes of hemorrhoids is the habit of sitting on the toilet for a long time. In addition, taking a sitz bath for at least 3 minutes twice a day can help relieve congestion around the anus and improve blood circulation.
Professor Lee Ji-hye of the Department of Surgery at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital said, “Above all, it is important to prevent constipation by drinking a lot of water, eating foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lactic acid bacteria,” and adding, “Do not strain too much when going to the bathroom. “You should avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, such as looking at your smartphone,” she advised.
