Hemorrhoids are more than an embarrassing problem. Why is it better not to underestimate them?

Although the clear cause of hemorrhoids is not fully known, it is known that overweight and obesity contribute to the development of this disease. We talk about overweight when BMI (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) is above 25, and about obesity when it exceeds 30. To reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, you need to maintain a healthy weight and treat obesity. The most important are a proper diet and exercise at least three times a week for one hour. Walking alone is not enough.

They can be the result of a poor diet, side effects of medications and certain medical conditions. Prolonged pressure increases the pressure in the abdominal cavity, which causes the formation of hemorrhoids. To prevent constipation, you should eat a diet rich in vegetables, prunes or figs, bran, dark, coarse-grain bread, and uncrushed flax seeds. It is worth supporting preparations with fiber, which has the ability to bind water, thus softening the fecal masses and accelerating their elimination. You should drink at least 2 liters of water a day and limit sweets, carbonated drinks, and black tea that are conducive to constipation. Physical effort is also required.

Diarrhea occurs when you have more than usual bowel movements or an increased amount of stool as its consistency changes to liquid or semi-liquid. Prolonged diarrhea leads to dehydration and requires medical consultation. Along with water, electrolytes necessary for the proper functioning of the body, such as sodium, potassium and chlorine, are excreted. 90 percent of diarrhea is caused by a gastrointestinal infection. Treatment may include dietary changes or drug therapy. Sometimes they will require a deeper diagnosis, because they can also be a symptom of many serious diseases.

The cause of this disease may be infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C, alcoholism, autoimmune diseases and poisoning. It takes years to develop. Liver cells die and connective tissue forms in their place, which interferes with blood circulation. Liver fibrosis cannot be reversed. They can be inhibited and complications can be prevented. The disease does not give any symptoms for a long time. It is diagnosed by imaging, laboratory examination and taking a section of this organ. Cirrhosis of the liver can cause liver cancer.

Pelvic tumors mechanically block the outflow of venous blood. These diseases include the quite common peritubal cysts, benign ovarian tumors, uterine fibroids and malignant neoplasms of the genital tract. Symptoms of these diseases may include flatulence, abdominal pain, menstrual disorders. That is why every woman should consult such ailments with a gynecologist and perform transvaginal ultrasound examinations every few years.

Heart disease, which prevents the heart from pumping blood so that it can drain properly from the blood vessels, can disrupt blood flow in the anal veins. This, in turn, contributes to the formation of hemorrhoids. Heart disease is diagnosed primarily by echocardiography. High blood pressure can also disrupt the function of blood vessels. We talk about hypertension when it exceeds 140/90 mmHg. Hypertension may be asymptomatic, leading to life-threatening conditions. Therefore, everyone should measure them at least once a year.

It can be the result of cigarette smoking, COPD, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux, nasopharyngitis, tuberculosis or lung cancer. It can also be an undesirable effect of some drugs. When coughing, pressure in the abdomen increases tenfold, which promotes the formation of hemorrhoids. Chronic cough should not be taken lightly, as it may be a symptom of a serious illness. If it lasts more than three weeks, see your doctor.

This disease affects women mainly after childbirth. It results from excessive resting muscles of the fundus of the uterus or their excessive relaxation. Also with age, the flexibility of the muscles that hold the organs in the pelvis and anus in place decreases. As a result, the volume of residual blood in the haemorrhoids increases and it becomes more and more difficult for them to return to normal after defecation. This results in prolapse of hemorrhoids and bleeding during and after bowel movements. Rehabilitation consisting in appropriate exercises and electrostimulation of the pelvic floor muscles bring good results of treatment.