Hemorrhoids are a condition where the blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum become swollen. Hemorrhoids can affect anyone and are often related to repeated pressure on the veins in the anal area.
Although more common in adults, hemorrhoids aren't exclusively a problem for the elderly. Daily habits, diet, activity, and even certain conditions can increase the risk.
Habits That Can Trigger Hemorrhoids
1. Sitting on the Toilet for Too Long
Do you often take your phone to the toilet and end up sitting there longer than you should?
This habit should be reduced. Sitting too long on the toilet can increase pressure on the blood vessels around the anus. Repeatedly, this habit can increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
Tips: Try not to linger in the toilet and avoid using the toilet as a place to scroll or play on your phone.
2. Frequent straining during bowel movements
Straining too hard or too long during a bowel movement can increase pressure on the blood vessels around the anus. This condition often occurs when someone is constipated or has hard stools.
If you find bowel movements difficult and have to strain repeatedly, don't ignore it. Reconsider your daily fiber and fluid intake.
3. Not Consuming Enough Fiber
A lack of fiber can make stools harder and more difficult to pass. As a result, a person tends to strain more during a bowel movement.
To help keep your bowel movements regular, consume fibrous foods such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, and grains regularly.
4. Not drinking enough water
Insufficient fluid intake can make stools harder, especially when combined with a lack of fiber consumption.
Meet your daily fluid needs and adjust them to your body condition and individual activities.
5. Not moving enough or sitting too long
Sitting too long and not doing enough physical activity can make the body less active and in some people can contribute to bowel problems, including constipation.
If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time, take the time to stand up, walk, stretch, or move around periodically .
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoid symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity. Some common symptoms include:
- Bloody stools , usually fresh red blood visible on tissue, stool surface, or toilet.
- Lumps around the anus , especially external hemorrhoids or internal hemorrhoids that protrude.
- Pain or discomfort around the anus , especially when sitting or defecating.
- Itching or irritation around the anus.
- It feels like you still need to defecate or there is something stuck in your anus.
- In certain conditions, the lump can become swollen and very painful.
It's important to remember that bloody stools don't always indicate hemorrhoids. Bleeding from the anus can also be caused by other conditions. Therefore, if the bleeding recurs or the cause is unknown, it's best to see a doctor.
Who is at greater risk of developing hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can occur at any age, but the risk tends to increase with age because the supporting tissue of the blood vessels around the anus can become weaker.
In addition, several conditions that can increase the risk of hemorrhoids include:
- Frequent constipation or diarrhea .
- Frequent straining during bowel movements.
- Lack of fiber and fluid intake.
- Sitting too long or not moving enough.
- Frequently lifting heavy loads.
- Pregnancy , due to increased pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic and anal areas.
- Being overweight.
- Having irregular bowel habits.
So, although hemorrhoids are more common in adults and the risk increases with age, young people can also experience them , especially if they have habits or conditions that increase pressure on the anal area.
What Happens If Hemorrhoids Are Left Untreated?
In some people, hemorrhoid symptoms can improve with lifestyle changes. However, if symptoms persist or worsen without proper treatment, hemorrhoids can interfere with daily activities.
More severe hemorrhoids can cause lumps that continue to protrude, repeated bleeding, pain, and the formation of blood clots in external hemorrhoids (thrombosis) which can cause severe pain .
Persistent bleeding, although not always present, can also lead to anemia . Furthermore, persistently irritated lumps can cause discomfort and interfere with activities such as sitting, working, and defecating.
Therefore, do not wait until the symptoms get worse before getting yourself checked.
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids?
Some simple habits can help reduce the risk of hemorrhoids:
- Increase consumption of fibrous foods , such as vegetables and fruit.
- Meet your daily water needs .
- Regularly exercise or do physical activity.
- Don't delay the urge to defecate.
- Avoid straining too hard or too long when defecating.
- Don't sit on the toilet for too long, especially while playing on your phone.
- If you have to sit for long periods, take the time to stand up and move around periodically.
Don't be embarrassed to see a doctor.
Anal complaints can sometimes make people feel embarrassed to consult a doctor. However, hemorrhoids are a fairly common health problem and shouldn't be a reason to delay a checkup .
The sooner the complaint is examined, the sooner the doctor can determine whether the symptoms experienced are indeed caused by hemorrhoids or another condition.
If you experience bloody stools, lumps around the anus, pain during bowel movements, itching, or complaints that do not improve, immediately consult a General Surgeon.
Don't ignore the symptoms and don't be embarrassed to seek treatment. Learn about hemorrhoids and prevent them early by adopting a healthier lifestyle!
Article written by Dr. Rudy Haryanto Susilo, Sp.B (General Surgery Specialist, EMC Cibitung & Pekayon Hospital).