Hemorrhoids are bean-like protrusions that develop around the anus. Due to the sensitive location of the affected area, it is a condition that is often difficult to discuss openly. Moreover, hemorrhoids are a relatively common ailment that can cause significant inconvenience in daily life.
What are the common causes of hemorrhoids?
1. Genetic predisposition: Some individuals have congenitally weak vein walls with low resistance. Excessive vascular pressure can cause these walls to dilate, forming hemorrhoids.
2. Local irritation and dietary indiscretion also play a role. Exposure to cold or heat around the anus, along with symptoms like diarrhea or constipation, can irritate the anal area and trigger hemorrhoids. Excessive alcohol consumption and frequent intake of spicy or irritating foods are common triggers.
3. Prolonged standing or sitting during work impairs venous return, slowing blood flow in the pelvic cavity. This leads to congestion in abdominal organs, causing blood stasis and vascular dilation. Combined with insufficient exercise and sluggish gastrointestinal motility, it hinders fecal passage, resulting in chronic constipation. This further weakens venous wall resistance and increases susceptibility to hemorrhoids.
How should hemorrhoids be managed?
Early-stage hemorrhoids are relatively manageable. Improvement can be achieved through lifestyle and dietary adjustments: prioritize bed rest, avoid postures that increase abdominal pressure, refrain from straining during bowel movements, and consume high-fiber foods to accelerate gastrointestinal motility. Cleanse thoroughly with warm water after each bowel movement.
For external hemorrhoids with swelling or pain, apply gentle massage, gradually increasing pressure. Follow with topical hemorrhoid ointment to promote healing.
During flare-ups with severe pain, prioritize bed rest. Use suppositories for bleeding internal hemorrhoids and apply warm compresses to help retracted hemorrhoids subside faster.If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Severe hemorrhoids may require surgical intervention.
Extended Reading: How do hemorrhoid symptoms differ from colorectal cancer?
Changes in stool consistency:
Many individuals undergo relevant screening tests during physical exams, yet some hesitate to allow rectal examinations due to embarrassment or privacy concerns.Digital rectal examination is one method for screening colorectal cancer. Individuals with poor intestinal health or existing hemorrhoids should be particularly vigilant. If a hard mass is detected during examination alongside changes in stool shape, prompt medical evaluation is essential.
Blood in stool:
Blood in stool can occur in many everyday situations. For instance, consuming spicy foods recently may cause bleeding due to irritation from chili peppers. Additionally, individuals with hemorrhoids may experience bleeding when anal pressure increases.
Not all fecal bleeding stems from hemorrhoids. Beyond hemorrhoids and lifestyle factors, conditions like intestinal bleeding can also cause blood in stool. In severe cases, bleeding may occur during or after bowel movements. If bleeding appears after defecation, it's typically hemorrhoid-related. However, if blood mixes with stool rather than dripping afterward, it could indicate colorectal cancer.
Frequent bowel movements:
If you've recently experienced significantly more bowel movements than usual, this warrants attention for potential colorectal cancer. Even individuals with hemorrhoids may notice increased bowel frequency. Combined with abnormal bleeding, this should prompt screening for colorectal cancer.
Finally, remember that colorectal cancer is most common in individuals over 50, those with a family history of the disease, and those exposed to recognized risk factors—such as frequent consumption of processed meats and low fiber intake. Regular bowel screenings and maintaining overall health are crucial.
References:
1. Chen Yi. Causes and Care of Hemorrhoids [J].China Pharmaceutical Information, 2010, 02(28): 208-209.
2. Ye Zi. Beware: Hemorrhoids and Colorectal Cancer Are "Neighbors" [J]. Health Companion, 2010(3): 7-7.