The saying "nine out of ten people have hemorrhoids" illustrates the high prevalence of anorectal diseases, with hemorrhoids being a prime example. However, many patients find it difficult to talk about this condition and often only seek medical attention when it has become quite severe. How do anorectal diseases develop, and how can we prevent them? Below, experts will answer these questions for us.
Why do so many people get hemorrhoids?
Humans are the only animals that walk upright, and hemorrhoids are a disease unique to humans. This is because the disease is essentially varicose veins under the rectal mucosa. Unlike veins in other parts of the body, the veins in the rectum lack venous valves, making them prone to developing after prolonged standing or sitting.
In addition, some people worry that hemorrhoids can become cancerous. In fact, hemorrhoids are a lesion of varicose veins and will not become cancerous. Such worries are unnecessary.
Constipation is very common nowadays. What is the relationship between constipation and hemorrhoids?
Constipation is a major cause of hemorrhoids. When constipated, dry stool compresses the rectum, directly compressing the veins in the submucosa of the rectum, thus obstructing venous blood return from the rectum and anus. If defecation takes too long and involves straining, abdominal pressure increases, further obstructing venous return from the rectum and anus, eventually leading to hemorrhoids. Because hemorrhoids cause pain during defecation, some patients are afraid of the pain and dare not defecate or suppress the urge to defecate, causing stool to remain in the intestines for too long, which further aggravates constipation.
How to choose hemorrhoid medication
There are many types of hemorrhoid medications on the market, such as oral tablets and pills, and external suppositories, ointments, and patches. When choosing a hemorrhoid medication, it's crucial to select one that addresses your specific symptoms, especially for oral hemorrhoid medications. Most oral traditional Chinese medicines for treating hemorrhoids have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling the blood and relieving pain, and dispelling wind and moisturizing dryness. However, different ingredients correspond to different symptoms. For example, Di Yu Huai Jiao Wan (地榆槐角丸) is generally used for patients with constipation, bleeding, or local redness, swelling, pain, and inflammation of the anus; while hemorrhoid tablets focus on clearing heat and purging fire, and can be used by patients with bitter taste in the mouth and constipation.
Note: Apply hemorrhoid cream after bowel movements.
To avoid contamination of the hemorrhoid cream with feces, it is recommended to clean the anus after defecation before use. It is best to clean the anus with a mild saline solution, as the hypertonic effect of the saline solution can relieve swelling caused by hemorrhoids. Especially for external hemorrhoids, sitz baths with potassium permanganate solution or traditional Chinese medicine with heat-clearing and detoxifying properties are very effective in treating local inflammation caused by hemorrhoids.
Women should also pay attention to the following when using hemorrhoid cream: First, it is contraindicated for pregnant women. The musk and borneol contained in hemorrhoid cream can be detrimental to fetal development and may even cause miscarriage. Furthermore, hemorrhoid cream should not be applied to other areas. While hemorrhoid cream can promote blood circulation and relieve itching, leading some women to use it to treat acne, reduce dark circles, and even slim legs, this is not advisable. Because the skin around the eyes is thin, using hemorrhoid cream may damage the eye area, causing redness, swelling, and allergic reactions.
It's important to note that while hemorrhoids are a minor ailment and hemorrhoid creams are relatively safe, they should still be used under the guidance of a specialist. If symptoms do not improve after 3-4 days of using hemorrhoid cream, you should promptly consult a doctor to avoid delaying treatment.
At least one visit
Rectal bleeding and anal pain are indeed typical symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, similar symptoms can also be found in other anorectal conditions such as colorectal cancer, rectal cancer, anal canal cancer, polyps, rectal mucosal prolapse, and perianal abscesses. Therefore, patients should consult a doctor and undergo examinations to rule out other conditions to avoid delaying treatment. If hemorrhoids are confirmed, it's also a good opportunity to determine whether they are internal, external, or mixed hemorrhoids. The pathological mechanisms, symptoms, and treatment methods differ for each type. A clear diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment.
