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Pain, burning, bleeding around the anus – these are the symptoms of hemorrhoids. They cause great discomfort, and their location, unfortunately, does not encourage visiting a doctor. Check that you are not at risk for people who may get them.
Hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids are the common name for haemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are located in the anal canal and play an important role in it. In the form of small pillows, together with the sphincter muscles, they seal the anal canal, helping to control bowel movements. Only pathological changes in the hemorrhoids cause the disease state called hemorrhoids.
Such changes occur when the haemorrhoids stretch excessively and the blood in them does not empty completely after defecation. Then, inflammation of the hemorrhoids and rectal tissues appears. In the early stages of the disease, the symptoms are very mild and are therefore often neglected. Itching, burning, pain and slight bleeding appear around the anus when passing stools. Over time, the enlarged haemorrhoids fall outward, beyond the anal canal, and spontaneously retract into place. In the later stages of the disease, unfortunately, you have to “help” them return to their place. In the advanced stage, the haemorrhoids require surgical removal.
Often the disease is underestimated in the hope that it “will clear up”. The embarrassing place of the disease, and often also the fear of pain, do not encourage a visit to the doctor. And only when the disease is so advanced that it hinders normal functioning, we decide to see a doctor. Doing so is extremely irresponsible. Treatment of hemorrhoidal disease in its initial stage is simple, painless and relatively quick. It should also be remembered that the inflammation of the hemorrhoids may be caused by another serious disease. Therefore, all disturbing symptoms in the anus area should be consulted with a specialist proctologist.
Hemorrhoids are said to be a civilization disease. It is true – the number of people suffering from haemorrhoids is very large and is constantly increasing, but in ancient times this problem was known and treated surgically. The current lifestyle is conducive to greater morbidity. Lack of exercise and improper diet are factors that largely determine civilization diseases. It is estimated that six million people in Poland suffer from haemorrhoidal disease. It can be assumed that the number of patients is even greater because it is often neglected in the early stages. On the other hand, in highly industrialized countries, every second adult suffers from hemorrhoids.
The disease is more common in the elderly. It is assumed that among people over 30, 40% have hemorrhoids, after XNUMX – XNUMX%, and after XNUMX, every second person has hemorrhoids. Every second pregnant woman also has hemorrhoids. The disease affects both men and women equally.
The factors contributing to the development of hemorrhoidal disease are manifold. Unfortunately, some of them are beyond our control, but there are also others that depend on our behavior. Who is at risk?
The elderly are primarily at risk of suffering from haemorrhoids, after the age of XNUMX, although the problem often begins after the age of XNUMX. This is because connective tissue loses its properties with age. Sagging tissues and slow intestinal peristalsis are the reasons for the formation of haemorrhoids. Early diagnosis of the disease allows you to avoid troublesome symptoms.
Among the factors influencing the occurrence of haemorrhoidal disease, lifestyle is the dominant one. The problem often affects people who spend many hours a day in a sitting position (drivers, office workers, computer players) without moving. The sitting position leads to a disturbance of the pressure in the venous system. Stillness also slows down the intestinal peristalsis, which in turn leads to constipation. People who spend many hours sitting down should take frequent breaks. All you need is a little figure or a few steps. Paradoxically, the problem also concerns some physically active people, e.g. cyclists or horse riders.
The next risk group is people struggling with frequent constipation or diarrhea. Strong pressure on the stool increases the pressure in the abdominal cavity, which makes it difficult for blood to drain out of the rectal vein. At the same time, the rectal mucosa is overstretched. In such a situation, the haemorrhoids become enlarged. Most constipation is the result of a poor diet (fat and low in fiber) and little physical activity. People suffering from constipation should increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits, groats, whole grain bread and drink more fluids. It is also worth eliminating spicy spices, spicy foods and alcohol from your diet. Haemorrhoids can also be caused by frequent diarrhea, e.g. in obese people using laxatives.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to haemorrhoidal disease. During pregnancy, the amount of progesterone secreted increases significantly, a hormone that causes blood vessels to dilate. Additionally, the expanding uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels. Pregnancy also causes women to reduce their physical activity, and therefore frequent constipation appears. All this means that every second pregnant woman suffers from hemorrhoids. Often, after having a baby, the ailment disappears on its own.
People who suffer from increased pressure in the abdominal cavity or direct pressure on blood vessels are also exposed to hemorrhoids. There are many reasons for this. The risk group is therefore overweight people, people diagnosed with a tumor in the abdominal cavity, patients with liver cirrhosis or arterial hypertension. The increase in pressure can also be caused by lifting heavy loads, e.g. in weight lifters.
Hemorrhoids can also arise as a result of poor defecation habits. People who stop defecation, sit on their shells for a long time, do not fully defecate, are at risk of it.
It often happens that in the family, for example, mother and daughter suffer from hemorrhoids. All venous conditions, including hemorrhoids, can be hereditary. This may be due to genetic conditions (weaker connective tissue).