“It’s just the cold wind” A popular phrase from a ’90s commercial that teenagers back then all knew, emphasizing how hemorrhoid patients face obstacles in their daily lives… So let’s get to know this disease better, what causes hemorrhoids, so we can find ways to prevent it.
Hemorrhoids… a nightmare for those who strain
Hemorrhoids are a condition where the anal cushions, which are tissues that help expand the anus during defecation and help close the anus tightly under normal conditions, move downward from their normal position and become swollen, not shrinking back after defecation. This causes bleeding during bowel movements or lumps protruding at the anus. Dr. Norasara Witayapipat, a specialist in endoscopic surgery at Phyathai 3 Hospital, says that although the exact cause of this disease is unclear, it mostly results from pressure in the abdominal or thoracic cavity. This pressure is caused by “straining” in people who have defecation problems or constipation and often have to push hard. Additionally, patients with emphysema can also have increased pressure in the thoracic cavity.
“Sitting for long periods” also increases risk
The main factors causing this disease mostly come from our own behavior. Besides not eating enough fiber leading to constipation, sitting on the toilet for a long time, such as reading or playing on the phone while defecating, can also cause the anal cushions to slip down. Some people do not fully empty their bowels, causing repeated straining multiple times, or some strain more than 10 times even though they only went to the bathroom once, which is equivalent to going to the bathroom 10 times. It can also be caused by physical conditions, such as pregnant women whose hormones change and enlarged uterus make defecation difficult, patients with cirrhosis whose veins in the anus are swollen, or older people who have a higher chance of the anal cushions protruding from the anus.
Change your habits quickly… if you like eating these foods
The fast-paced lifestyle of city people who don’t have time to pay attention to their diet directly affects the digestive system, such as not drinking enough water, liking to eat meat but avoiding vegetables and fruits, which can cause hemorrhoids. Let’s check which behaviors are risky.
- Drinking too little water: Our body is made up of 70% water. If you drink too little, the intestines won’t have enough water to help expel waste, causing waste to accumulate. The intestines will then absorb the waste back into the body, making the blood dirty and thick, resulting in acne, freckles, melasma, and hemorrhoids.
- Eating only meat: Meat does not have as much fiber as vegetables and fruits, causing slow movement through the digestive tract. By the time waste passes through the intestines, fermentation and bacterial growth occur. People who eat a lot of meat often suffer from constipation.
- Drinking tea or coffee: If drinking these reduces bowel movements, try to drink less because caffeine in coffee and tannins in tea can cause constipation. This depends on each individual’s body condition.
- Eating spicy or strongly flavored foods: Both very sour and very spicy foods can irritate the stomach and intestines and cause digestive problems leading to hemorrhoids.
Now that we know the causes of hemorrhoids, it’s best to change our habits to stay away from this disease. But if any abnormalities occur, you should see a doctor promptly to ensure the symptoms are not from a serious illness.
