HEMORRHOID DISEASE: DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT AND COMPLICATION MANAGEMENT

Hemorrhoidal_Disease_Bahadir_Egekapak

THE EFFECTS OF DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES ON HEMORRHOIDAL DISEASE

Muharrem Öztaş1 Bediye Öztaş2

1Atılım University, Faculty of Medicine, Medicana International Ankara Hospital, Department of General Surgery, Ankara, Türkiye
2Health Science University, Gülhane Faculty of Nursing, Department of General Surgery, Ankara, Türkiye

Öztaş M, Öztaş B. The Effects of Diet and lifestyle Changes on Hemorrhoidal Disease. In: Ege B, editor. Hemorrhoidal Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment and Complication Management. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.57-64.

ABSTRACT

Hemorrhoidal disease is one of the most common anal region diseases encountered in general surgery clinics. The pathophysiology of hemorrhoidal disease is multifactorial and can present with a wide perspective, from mild discomfort to severe and even life-threatening bleeding, depending on the stage of the disease and the developing complications. It can significantly affect the quality of life of patients depending on the symptomatology and can cause serious loss of labor. Diet and lifestyle changes play an important role in the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids. Although surgical interventions are primarily applied to patients in advanced stages, conservative treatment strategies that focus primarily on diet and lifestyle changes are quite effective in the management of early-stage disease and symptomatic improvement. Conservative treatment strategies can be evaluated as a primary treatment approach or as a pre-surgical bridging treatment in advanced stages, depending on the stage and clinic of the disease. Diet and lifestyle changes are also important in terms of reducing the development of recurrence after surgical treatment or other treatment methods. In a healthy diet, the consumption of fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) is encouraged. Fiber can help prevent constipation by helping to keep stools soft and bulky. Constipation is one of the most common triggers of hemorrhoids. Drinking enough water also helps to keep stools soft. Regular physical activity also promotes healthy bowel movements and improves overall digestive health. Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time can worsen hemorrhoids, so reducing the amount of time spent on the toilet and reducing the need to strain is also important. Avoiding irritants such as alcohol and spicy foods can help reduce hemorrhoidal symptoms. Stress management is also an important factor, as stress can negatively affect bowel health. In conclusion, healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes offer an effective strategy for the management and prevention of hemorrhoidal disease. These changes can reduce hemorrhoidal symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Although obesity is associated with an increased risk for hemorrhoidal disease through different pathophysiological mechanisms and is thought to worsen symptoms, but the results of studies are controversial. Another risk factor, the prenancy condition, is a temporary but well-known risk factor. Approximately one-third of pregnant women develop hemorrhoidal disease or become symptomatic. Conservative treatment methods are becoming more important due to the risks of medication use and surgical treatment during pregnancy. In general, medical treatment of hemorrhoidal disease includes dietary adjustment, lifestyle measures, and pharmacological treatment. In this section, the effects of dietary and lifestyle changes on hemorrhoidal disease will be examined.

Keywords: Conservative treatment; Diet; Life style; Exercise; Constipation; Hemorrhoids

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