Millions suffer from hemorrhoids, also known as piles, a condition characterized by swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum or anus, which can cause itching, pain, and bleeding. While anatomically everyone has small cushions of blood vessels that aid continence, these can become swollen and engorged due to repeated pressure. Dr. Mohammad Bakhtiar, Clinical Lead at Medical Express Clinic, stated that modern lifestyles, including low-fiber diets, prolonged sitting, and straining during bowel movements, contribute significantly to their prevalence.
Dr. Bakhtiar explained that about half of individuals will have experienced hemorrhoids by age 50. The condition is often exacerbated by constipation and straining, but chronic coughing and heavy manual labor, which involve holding one's breath and bearing down, can also contribute. Furthermore, being overweight and pregnancy can increase the risk. Prolonged sitting, particularly with the modern habit of using phones on the toilet for extended periods, sustains pressure and is a key factor.
While some individuals may have a genetic predisposition due to weaker tissue, lifestyle adjustments can help prevent the condition. Increasing fiber intake is crucial, as it softens stool and facilitates easier passage, reducing the need to strain. The NHS recommends around 30 grams of fiber daily, though average consumption is significantly lower. Gradually incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and pulses into the diet, alongside adequate hydration, is essential. Dr. Bakhtiar emphasized that fiber and fluid work in tandem, as fiber without sufficient water can worsen constipation.
Regular exercise, such as daily walks, also aids in maintaining bowel regularity and combating a sedentary lifestyle. However, individuals prone to hemorrhoids are advised to breathe through heavy weightlifting exercises rather than holding their breath, as this can increase abdominal pressure similar to straining.
Dr. Bakhtiar cautioned against common mistakes when dealing with potential hemorrhoids. Waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own and using over-the-counter creams without addressing the underlying cause are significant errors. While creams may offer temporary symptom relief, persistent constipation and straining will likely lead to recurrence. Some steroid creams are not intended for long-term use as they can thin the skin.
Perhaps the most critical warning is not to dismiss rectal bleeding as solely a symptom of hemorrhoids. While most piles are harmless, other serious conditions, including bowel cancer, can present similar symptoms. The number of bowel cancer diagnoses in individuals under 50 in the UK has been rising. Early detection of colorectal cancer is vital for treatment options. Signs that warrant medical attention include a change in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks, blood mixed with stool, dark or tarry stools, unexplained weight loss, or persistent tiredness indicative of anemia. New symptoms in individuals over 40 or those with a family history of bowel cancer should also prompt a medical assessment. Dr. Bakhtiar stressed the importance of seeking professional examination for any rectal bleeding, advising against self-diagnosis.