Prof. Dr. Özcan Gökçe, Head of the Department of General Surgery at Yeditepe University Hospitals, shared important information by saying, “Hemorrhoid, which seriously affects daily life due to the pain and distress it causes, is a problem that affects approximately 40 percent of the world's population.”

Hemorrhoids, also known as “piles” among people, are formed by the relaxation and expansion of the veins around the anus. In this problem, which occurs in two ways as internal and external hemorrhoids, complaints can also differ. It may not give any symptoms, especially in the initial stage of the problem. However, as soon as hemorrhoid bleeding begins, it is necessary to consult a specialist without wasting time.

What is Hemorrhoid?

It is possible to answer the question "What is hemorrhoid?", which people often wonder and ask, as follows: The tissue consisting of a hemorrhoidal network is actually a spongy and soft structure found in every person and that prevents gas or fluid incontinence and defecation. However, especially in people who have to work by sitting all the time and prefer a sedentary life, the vein around the anus expands. These vein bundles, which expand over time with the triggering factors, hang out of the anus. While pain complaints are less common in those with internal hemorrhoids, painful swelling is the primary complaint in external hemorrhoids. Along with this pain, which can be severe enough to affect daily life, redness, and itching can also be experienced.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Prof. Dr. Özcan Gökçe, Head of the Department of General Surgery at Yeditepe University Hospitals, said, “The most important reason for the emergence of the disease is a lifestyle. The veins around the anus stretch and swell with pressure.”

It is possible to list the causes of hemorrhoids due to the increase in pressure in the lower rectum as follows:

• Being overweight
• Pregnancy
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Sitting on the toilet for a long time
• Making the toilet by straining
• Eating foods low in fiber
• Doing a job that requires heavy lifting regularly

What are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Symptoms and complaints of hemorrhoids vary depending on whether it is an internal or external hemorrhoid.

Internal Hemorrhoid Symptoms:

Internal hemorrhoids are not usually seen because they are located in the rectum, but the person feels their presence. Especially during defecation, painless fresh bleeding that sprouts out can be observed due to straining.

External Hemorrhoid Symptoms:

Since external hemorrhoids are located under the skin around the anus, they may cause more discomfort to the patient. External hemorrhoid symptoms include swelling around the anus, blood in the stool, itching or irritation in the anal region, pain, and discomfort.

How to Treat Hemorrhoids?

Prof. Dr. Özcan Gökçe, Head of the Department of General Surgery at Yeditepe University Hospitals, stated, “In the treatment of hemorrhoid, different treatment options are used depending on the general condition of the patient, complaints, and the location of hemorrhoid. However, the first thing to do is to focus on the consumption of high-fiber foods and to increase water consumption during the day.”

In order not to have problems with hemorrhoids, it is necessary to eat plenty of uncooked plants and consume 3 liters of liquid daily. Constipation is the most important factor that creates the problem of hemorrhoids. Diarrhea also triggers the disease. The most important solution is to have a soft stool once a day. In the case of anemia-inducing bleeding and pain caused by clotted blood, these are stage 3 and 4 hemorrhoids. It requires surgical treatment.

In addition to behavioral patterns, creams, and pomades to be used locally and surgical treatment are some of the treatment methods applied according to the patient's condition.

Can Hemorrhoids Be Treated With Laser?

Hemorrhoid treatment with laser or infrared application can mostly be used for bleeding internal hemorrhoids. Laser, infrared, or rubber band application treatments are painless, as the internal hemorrhoid area is insensitive to pain. Stage 4 prolapsed hemorrhoids have pain and skin fragments are surgically removed.

Why Should Hemorrhoids Be Taken Seriously?

Prof. Dr. Özcan Gökçe, Head of the Department of General Surgery at Yeditepe University Hospitals, said, “It is extremely important to consult a general surgeon without wasting time in case of bleeding that will cause anemia and painful swellings that occur when all of them come out, and in case of not being able to defecate. Bleeding occurs when the membrane on the enlarged veins ruptures. Some people may delay in applying to the doctor because of the decrease in pain, especially by stating that they are relieved with bleeding. However, since bleeding does not provide real relief, if there is bleeding in hemorrhoids, no time should be wasted.”

Is There a Link Between Hemorrhoids and Colon Cancer?

There is no direct link between it and hemorrhoids. If the cause of bleeding is colon cancer, it is assumed to be from hemorrhoids, causing the important disease to be overlooked.

Does Smoking Cause Hemorrhoids?

There is no direct link between smoking and hemorrhoids. However, since smoking can reduce appetite, less food consumption and nicotine can trigger constipation. This may pose a risk for the formation of hemorrhoids. 

What Is Good For Hemorrhoids?

The following measures will be beneficial to prevent hemorrhoid complaints and protect from hemorrhoids.

• Drink plenty of fluids: Keeping the stool soft is very important in preventing the formation of hemorrhoids. For this reason, take care to consume between 2.5-3 liters of fluid during the day.
• Do not sit on the toilet for a long time: Sitting for a long time and straining to satisfy your need for the toilet will increase the pressure on the rectum, thus triggering the formation of hemorrhoids and increasing the existing problems.
• Eat fibrous foods: Include lots of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods in your diet. In this way, since your stool will soften, it is possible to prevent strain and the formation of hemorrhoids due to this.
• Avoid hot and spicy products: Since such products can irritate the area with hemorrhoids, it is necessary to consume these foods in a controlled manner as much as possible.
• Do not sit for long periods:  Try to move as much as possible, even if your job requires sitting for a long time. To prevent hemorrhoids, do not sit on the toilet for a long time, either. Trying to exercise as much as possible during the day will also prevent the formation of hemorrhoidal nipples, as it will prevent constipation that may occur due to sitting for a long time.