Key points
- Despite being a very common ailment, many of the people affected do not consult the specialist for modesty
- According to Dr. Aurora Garre, Cinfa's medical advisor, bad eating habits are the main risk factor for this problem
Although a large part of the population suffers from hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, this disease often causes a modesty that prevents affected people from speaking openly about it. Instead of going to the doctor, patients with mild discomfort tend to self-medication, which makes it difficult to effectively treat the symptoms. Likewise, due to this circumstance, the real incidence of this pathology among the population is unknown.
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In general, hemorrhoidal disease affects adults between 25 and 60 years old and is more common among men. As Aurora Garre, Cinfa's medical advisor explains, "what we commonly call hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids are venous structures located in the anal canal and that, for different reasons, expand and inflame, they can be internal or external, and of greater or smaller size "
Symptoms vary depending on the degree of severity. Thus, Dr. Garre notes that, "in the first stages, hemorrhoids cause more or less mild discomfort such as itching, inflammation of the skin, burning, pain or small bleeding associated with bowel movements. Fleshy, they go out and stay out of the sphincter most of the day, which can be very painful, "he adds.
Avoid constipation, priority
"Genetic inheritance, the over-abdominal effort caused by pregnancy and advanced age are risk factors for this disease, however, the most frequent cause is constipation, since the effort made during defecation increases the pressure on hemorrhoids" , says the expert. Also incorrect eating habits or negative routines of the individual can cause or accelerate this condition: "The sedentary lifestyle, the intake of spices, fat, spicy or alcohol and overweight increase the likelihood of hemorrhoids," recalls the consultant.
Consequently, although specific creams and suppositories help reduce inflammation or itching, prevention plays a key role in preventing and alleviating various discomforts. "The priority is to avoid constipation," says the doctor, "so that regular physical exercise, a balanced diet and drinking fluids is crucial, thus ensuring a better stool routine, more regular and smooth. adequate dietary and hygienic habits, people suffering from this pathology will improve their quality of life, "he concludes.
Decalogue of tips to prevent and treat hemorrhoids:
- Lose shame. Affected people should consult the doctor as soon as possible to make an accurate diagnosis of their condition and determine the appropriate treatment. Only in advanced stages and with severe symptoms is surgery necessary.
- No hurry, but no pause . In order to avoid overexertion, it is important to adopt healthy habits in the bathroom, such as avoiding suppressing the desire to defecate or staying too long in the toilet.
- Fiber, a great ally. Since the objective to avoid constipation and hardening of the stool is to perform at least one stool a day, people prone to hemorrhoids should increase the daily amount of fiber they ingest, adding to their daily diet whole-grain products, fresh fruits ( if possible, with the skin) and vegetables.
- Products 'prohibited' . It is crucial to avoid spicy foods, fats and spices, as well as foods that can produce gases, such as legumes. And, always with the aim of fighting against constipation, the consumption of rice, sugars, caramels and cured cheeses should be moderated, which harden the stools, making it difficult to expel them.
- Drink plenty of fluids. At least two liters per day are recommended, since proper hydration favors digestion and evacuation. Water, infusions, juices, vegetable broths ... everyone is welcome.
- Fight against a sedentary lifestyle. Incorporating a little physical exercise into our daily habits is also very effective in facilitating intestinal transit: walking, running or swimming are excellent options.
- Quilt the seat and rest by walking. In the case that the work forces to be a long time sitting, to relieve the pressure on the area, it may be advisable to use a small cushion or pillow on the chair. Likewise, our body will appreciate that we rest from this position dedicating a few minutes each hour to walk.
- Take care of anal hygiene. You should avoid scratching the hemorrhoids and, after going to the bathroom, clean the area with warm water and a neutral soap. The excess of washing can make disappear the natural fatty mantle of the anal skin, reason why it can be recommendable to use an antihemorrhoidal ointment or vaseline to avoid the irritations. Also natural remedies such as compresses with chamomile can be beneficial.
- Creams and suppositories. People who suffer at the time of evacuation can find relief in the use of anti-inflammatory pomades and suppositories. Although these are sold without a prescription, they should not be used without medical supervision and, in any case, their use should not be prolonged more than a week, since they often contain cortisone. You can consult the pharmacist about it.
- Resort to natural anesthetics . If the pain is very intense, there is always the option of relieving it with warm-cold sequences: ice or cold packs should be applied and then alternated with hot sitz baths.