"Why Is My Hemorrhoid Condition Worsening?"
Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Hemorrhoids, a prevalent anorectal disorder, are characterized by symptoms such as rectal bleeding and anal swelling with pain. The exacerbation of hemorrhoids can be attributed to factors like improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and delayed treatment.
I. Improper Diet
1. Spicy and irritant foods: Foods like chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns irritate the intestinal mucosa, causing pain and bleeding during bowel movements, thereby aggravating hemorrhoid symptoms.
2. High-fiber foods: Vegetables like celery and Chinese chives enhance intestinal motility, which can also lead to pain and bleeding during defecation, exacerbating hemorrhoid symptoms.
3. Alcoholic beverages: Beverages such as baijiu (Chinese liquor) and beer dilate blood vessels, causing hemorrhoid congestion and edema, thus worsening symptoms.
II. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
1. Prolonged sitting: Sitting for extended periods hinders blood circulation around the anus, contributing to the development and progression of hemorrhoids.
2. Constipation: Chronic constipation leads to dry stools that put pressure and friction on the anus, worsening hemorrhoid symptoms.
3. Lack of exercise: Insufficient physical activity slows intestinal motility, allowing feces to remain in the intestines for prolonged periods, predisposing individuals to constipation and hemorrhoids.
III. Delayed Treatment
Failure to seek timely treatment or adopting inappropriate treatment methods can exacerbate the condition. For instance, misuse of medications or ineffective surgical outcomes can worsen the situation. Hemorrhoid treatment commences with modifying unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits. Subsequently, pharmacological and surgical interventions can be employed for relief.
Pharmacological treatments encompass topical medications for local application and oral medications. Surgical options include laser therapy and cryotherapy. It is advisable for patients to undergo treatment under medical supervision and undergo regular follow-ups to monitor the progression of their condition.