Facts and truths about hemorrhoids

Facts and truths about hemorrhoids

Here are some facts about hemorrhoids to help us understand the condition better:

There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. The former develops in the lower rectal area and may protrude through the anus, while the latter develops just under the skin around the anus.

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), about 75 percent of people will suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. Over 10 million people are currently diagnosed with hemorrhoids in the United States, and 1 million new cases occur in the country each year.

Among these people, 12.8 percent have internal hemorrhoids and over 10 percent require surgical treatment. Because this is not considered a life-threatening illness, most people do not report it to doctors or seek treatment.

Around 50 percent have this condition before they are 50, and you are more likely to develop hemorrhoids as you age. Women have a higher risk of suffering from hemorrhoids after the age of 45: this disease affects 25 percent of women as opposed to 15 percent of men.

Women mostly experience this condition during pregnancy because the increasing size of their abdomen puts a lot of pressure on the rectal region. In addition, pregnancy hormones cause increased blood movement to the anal region, which worsens during labor when the mother has to put pressure on the region, leading to inflammation of the blood vessels.

Obese people are also at risk of developing hemorrhoids because their weight puts a lot of strain on the pelvic and rectal regions of the body. Although exercise is good for you, lifting very heavy weights causes you to hold your breath, which puts pressure on the rectal muscles, which can lead to hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids can get worse if you don't drink enough water. By consuming alcohol or coffee, you increase the amount of diuretics in your body, causing it to lose water quickly. This makes the stool dry and causes pain.

The best way to prevent this condition is to eat a high-fiber diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, etc. and not eat a lot of meat, cheese and white bread, which can make stool hard and lead to more pressure in the anus.

A sedentary lifestyle can be bad for you and that is why you must not sit or stand for long periods of time and move around as much as possible. Using an anti-hemorrhoid cream, a stool softener, or sitting in a tub of warm water will make the job a little easier. However, if the condition persists, it would be better if you consult a doctor as surgery may be required.

Knowing these facts about hemorrhoids will not only help you recognize the symptoms but also give you an idea of ​​how to prevent the development of this condition in the future.

Inspired by William T. Gudino