What helps against hemorrhoids? That’s what the proctologist says

Despite all misconceptions, hemorrhoids are not a disease – on the contrary, because they have an important function: The soft, well-perfused cushions are located on the inside of the anal canal and are used for the fine closure. But what does it exactly mean? “While the sphincter only holds back stool, the hemorrhoids are responsible for holding back fluids and gases,” explains Dr. med. Marcus Plonsker from the. If the vascular cushions are swollen, the fine closure can be disturbed and lead to physical complaints. Typical symptoms include an itchy or oozing anus. The anal skin can become inflamed, causing a burning sensation when defecating. It becomes even more painful when the hemorrhoids become very large, leak and tear. “The result is bleeding,” adds the proctologist. At this point at the latest, those affected will ask themselves how they can treat the symptoms quickly and effectively – and when they should consult a doctor. Here, too, Marcus Plonsker has advice.

How Many People Have Hemorrhoids?

It is estimated that one in two adults will have a hemorrhoid condition at least once in their life. Unfortunately, there are no statistics that could prove this. However, this does not apply to the gender distribution: On the basis of the patients who have consulted a doctor, a study was carried out which shows that men and women suffer equally often from the symptoms mentioned. However, the specialist points out that there is a high number of unreported cases, so that a different gender distribution would be possible.

How can you treat the symptoms (yourself)?

You can sell the typical symptoms, such as itching or burning, with over-the-counter and – to treat. These contain anti-irritant plant substances and local anesthetics. On the other hand, you should avoid moist toilet paper, warns Plonsker: “The preservatives it contains can still promote inflammation of the skin”. Another tip from him is that you should drink enough fluids and eat a diet high in fiber. The fact is that hemorrhoids often swell or leak if the stool consistency is not well regulated. “In addition to drinking at least two liters of fiber per day, you have to have fiber to regulate your stool very tried and tested, “is his recommendation.

When is it better to see a doctor?

First and foremost, typical hemorrhoidal symptoms are uncomfortable as they limit the quality of life. “Some people feel a slight feeling of pressure in the anus due to the swelling,” says the proctologist. “Sometimes hemorrhoidal swellings are also noticeable through annoying relubrication of the stool”. This can be very annoying, especially in everyday (work) life if you spend a lot of time sitting. The question here is when to see a doctor. Marcus Plonsker advises the following: “If slight complaints do not go away completely during self-treatment or occur again and again, a medical examination makes sense. The cause of the pain should also be precisely clarified.” This is especially true if your hemorrhoidal symptoms are causing bleeding. “Even if it is” only “fresh blood, bleeding is an alarm signal and should be examined by a doctor in any case,” warns the proctologist explicitly.

What treatment options are there?

In addition to using over-the-counter products, hemorrhoidal swellings can also be treated in other ways, depending on their size and stubbornness. A common method is sclerotherapy, in which special drugs are injected into the slightly swollen hemorrhoids so that they swell again. “Since the hemorrhoids lie under the intestinal mucosa, where there is no sensitivity to touch, such treatments are absolutely painless,” Plonsker assures. If the hemorrhoid swellings are already larger, they can be treated painlessly using rubber band images. However, if the hemorrhoidal swelling is advanced, surgery must be performed. “These cases only make up between ten and twenty percent in proctological practice,” adds the specialist. In the end, of course, the patient’s level of suffering also plays an important role in the decision as to whether an operation is necessary or not.

How can you prevent hemorrhoidal symptoms?

In addition to a high-fiber diet and healthy drinking habits, exercise also plays a major role if you want to prevent hemorrhoids. But the most important thing is your bowel movements: “The consistency should be soft but shaped so that you don’t have to press hard,” explains Marcus Plonsker. It is just as important that you take enough time to go to the toilet, but that you do not sit too long. “Going to the toilet should be done after two to three minutes,” is the recommendation of the proctologist.

Which foods are high in fiber?

Most of the fiber is found in plant foods. Not only are they healthy, but also filling. But what is even more important, especially if you suffer from hemorrhoidal swelling frequently, is that it stimulates digestion – and can prevent constipation. Two important factors for a healthy intestinal flora that have a significant influence on bowel movements. In addition to fruits and vegetables, foods that contain a particularly high amount of fiber also include whole grain products, legumes and nuts. On the other hand, white flour products or white rice contain almost no dietary fiber. For a better overview, here is a small nutrient table of high-fiber foods that contribute to a healthy diet:

So much for theory. At the end of the day, the question that remains unanswered is how much fiber do you need to consume each day? Here, too, there is a clear answer: According to the. an adult should consume at least 30 grams of fiber per day. In reality, however, it looks like 75 percent of women and 68 percent of men are below the benchmark. It is all the more important that you pay attention to a healthy diet by including enough fruit, vegetables and whole grain products in your menu. This automatically counteracts diet-related diseases – such as hemorrhoids or obesity, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Either way, your body will thank you for it.

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