Autumn is the season when anal diseases are most likely to occur. This is because the air in autumn is dry, and many people experience symptoms of autumn dryness such as dry mouth, sore throat, and constipation. Chronic constipation is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids. Many people tend to ignore hemorrhoids and delay treatment. Hemorrhoids account for about 87% of anal and rectal diseases. Patients with hemorrhoids who experience pain, bleeding, or prolapse should seek treatment at a specialized hospital as soon as possible. Additionally, those who notice blood in their stool should not assume it is due to hemorrhoids; other conditions like colorectal cancer or ulcerative colitis must also be ruled out.
### Dietary Considerations: Avoid Spicy Foods
Before spring, hot pot restaurants start getting busy again. Those prone to constipation or with a history of hemorrhoids should avoid spicy foods, as they can cause inflammation and swelling in the anal area, leading to hemorrhoids. Furthermore, consuming spicy foods may irritate the stomach and intestines, causing discomfort and increasing the burden on the anus, which can also lead to hemorrhoids. Hot pot should not be consumed frequently, and drinking some cooling teas alongside is recommended.
Many people experience constipation in the spring, which can be alleviated through dietary adjustments. Drinking more water, green tea, and eating foods rich in moisture like radishes, pears, bananas, and silver ear fungus can help keep the body hydrated. It's also important to increase the intake of whole grains, beans, and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and fiber to promote intestinal motility and prevent constipation. For those who suffer from constipation, foods with cooling and laxative properties such as white sesame seeds, honey, bananas, kiwis, and yogurt are beneficial.
### Sedentary Office Workers Are Prone to Hemorrhoids
Most patients with hemorrhoids are individuals who sit or stand for long periods, such as office workers, accountants, home computer operators, editors, drivers, teachers, etc. Prolonged sitting leads to slower blood flow in the lower back region, hindering circulation and causing the venous plexus in the rectal area to become dilated, leading to hemorrhoids. Sitting for extended periods on hard sofas or chairs especially impedes blood circulation, potentially worsening the condition. Therefore, it is recommended that office workers choose softer seats and take short breaks every few hours to walk around for about 10 minutes. Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to prevent hemorrhoids.
### Other High-Risk Groups for Hemorrhoids Include:
1. Pregnant women, as the pressure from the growing fetus can obstruct blood flow in the rectal and anal areas.
2. Individuals with irregular lifestyles, such as binge eating, consuming spicy foods, and excessive alcohol consumption.
3. People without good bowel habits, such as reading books or newspapers while using the toilet. This habit prolongs bowel movements, causing congestion and increased abdominal pressure, affecting the venous return in the anal and rectal areas, thus leading to hemorrhoids.
### Not All Bloody Stools Are Due to Hemorrhoids
Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include bleeding, pain, a feeling of heaviness, anal itching, and prolapse. These symptoms are often mild at first but worsen if left untreated. For example, prolapse initially may retract naturally, but severe cases may require manual repositioning and could even lead to complications such as chronic thrombosis, difficulty stopping bleeding, and tissue necrosis.
Although hemorrhoids are not life-threatening, the associated discomfort (such as anal pain and itching) can affect mood and interfere with daily life and work. In particular, internal hemorrhoids may cause significant bleeding, leading to anemia and malnutrition over time. Prolonged neglect can result in mucosal erosion, infection, and even more serious conditions like perianal abscesses or fistulas.
Patients with mild symptoms can manage them through dietary adjustments or medication under the guidance of a specialist. It is crucial to avoid seeking so-called "miracle cures" at unlicensed medical facilities, as improper treatment or unnecessary surgery can cause trauma to the anus, impair its function, and in severe cases, endanger life.
Many people assume that bloody stools are always due to hemorrhoids and do not give it sufficient attention. However, there are other diseases that can cause bloody stools, such as colorectal cancer or ulcerative colitis. Many colorectal cancer patients mistakenly believe they have hemorrhoids and delay treatment, missing the optimal window for intervention. Therefore, any instance of bloody stools should prompt a visit to the hospital for examination.
### Tips for Preventing Hemorrhoids:
- **Regular Anorectal Exercises:** Relax your body and consciously contract your anal muscles, slowly lifting them as if holding back a bowel movement, then release. Repeat this 20 times, twice a day.
- **Maintain Anal Hygiene:** Wash the anal area with warm water after defecation and gently massage the anus with water.
- **Cold Water Sitz Baths:** When hemorrhoids flare up, cold water baths can improve blood circulation in the anal area.
- **Self-Massage:** Hemorrhoids result from localized blood stasis. Massaging the Changqiang acupoint (located below the tailbone) can improve local blood circulation and is effective for both prevention and treatment. Additionally, massaging the abdomen can help alleviate constipation.
By following these tips and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the risk of developing hemorrhoids can be significantly reduced.