2024-07-18 13:41:19
“Although hemorrhoids are a disease that is still avoided to be talked about openly, we notice that more and more patients of all ages are dealing with it. Unfortunately, people often try to live with this problem and turn to doctors only when the hemorrhoids are already advanced and the only treatment option is classic surgery. However, if the disease is diagnosed in time, the treatment can be much simpler, using more modern and less painful methods,” says a coloproctologist working at the Affidea medical and surgical center.
It is determined by lifestyle and genetics
There is no single cause of hemorrhoids, but according to S. Švagždis, it is usually determined by lifestyle.
“One of the main and primary causes of this disease is constipation, when defecation becomes difficult, often followed by long and excessively intense straining. This is caused by an unbalanced diet, low fiber content in food and lack of fluids. The condition can be worsened by hot humid weather, alcohol consumption, overweight and a sedentary lifestyle, long-term sitting or standing work. Also pregnancy, weightlifting and, of course, genetic predisposition,” the specialist teaches.
In order to prevent the disease or improve the current situation, first of all, the doctor advises to change the lifestyle and choose the right eating habits – drink enough fluids, add fiber-rich products to the diet, avoid spicy food and alcohol. It should also increase physical activity, strengthen the abdominal muscles, and avoid reading a book, magazine or browsing on the phone while defecating.
“Conditions that increase pressure in the abdominal area should also be generally avoided, because for this reason the vascular networks can increase, hypertrophy and cause unpleasant sensations in the anus area, pain or even bleeding,” warns S. Švagždys.
How to treat and when to contact specialists?
According to the doctor, the treatment of hemorrhoids depends on the degree of the disease.
If people are health conscious and looking for help with the symptoms of unrelenting hemorrhoids, then counseling and advice on diet or lifestyle changes is all they need. Also various suppositories, ointments and medicines.
If medical treatment does not help and the condition does not improve, interventional outpatient treatment can be applied, S. Švagždys explains:
“One of the most effective minimally invasive treatment methods is the tightening of hemorrhoidal nodes with rubber rings. This procedure takes just a few minutes, during which the internal elements of the hemorrhoidal nodes are tightened with rubber rings. After the procedure, the nodes die due to the interruption of blood flow and within 5-7 days they leave the body on their own without pain.”
The doctor adds that there are no pain receptors in the mucosa, which is why this procedure does not require anesthesia: “After the procedure, painkillers are rarely needed and the patient can immediately return to normal life.”
If patients have large or bleeding nodes that cannot be treated on an outpatient basis with minimally invasive methods, surgery may be necessary.
“Modern surgical removal of hemorrhoids with regional or general anesthesia is a simple operation that takes about half an hour. After that, the patient usually spends no more than a day in the hospital and continues the treatment at home.
In recent years, new, improved and tissue-sparing operations have been applied in medical institutions, after which, compared to traditional ones, the postoperative period is much shorter and patients suffer less pain. During them, laser energy is used to destroy the node. However, during such operations, the nodes are not completely removed, so there is a greater chance of relapse after laser hemorrhoidectomy,” warns S. Švagždys.
He urges you to go to the doctors as soon as you notice the first symptoms of the disease: “Hemorrhoids are not dangerous and, if left untreated, can only cause anemia due to constant bleeding. However, the symptoms of chronic hemorrhoids tend to progress and cause more and more quality-of-life-impairing sensations. Therefore, don’t be ashamed, don’t delay and contact specialists – so after the consultation and treatment, you will be able to enjoy the normal quality of life.”
2024-07-18 13:41:19