An Abuja- based medical doctor, Dr Nkechi Anthony, on Wednesday, warned that consumption of processed foods in daily diets could lead to haemorrhoid or pile.
Anthony told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that low-fibre diet or inadequate fluid intake could also cause constipation which could contribute to haemorrhoids.
She said that haemorrhoids promoted straining on the toilet and aggravated the haemorrhoids by producing hard stools that can further irritate the swollen veins.
According to Anthony, haemorrhoids are enlarged veins that occur in the rectum due to constant strains during bowel movement.
She said that it could be external and internal in outlook, stressing whatever form it emerged, it could be very uncomfortable to patients.
She said adequate water intake, consumption of healthy meals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle would prevent the disease.
“Most people do not get enough fibre in their diet and they do not even eat enough fresh vegetables and fruits.
“Diet, intake of plenty of water and reduction of salt intake are antidotes. Salt leads to fluid retention which in turn causes body to swell, including the blood vessels, thereby causing haemorrhoids.’’
Anthony further said that haemorrhoids could also be caused by sitting on the toilet for a long time, carrying heavy items, being overweight, having diarrhoea and constipation.
“Those ones that occur in the rectum are called internal haemorrhoids while those that occur around the anus are external haemorrhoids.
“Symptoms are: swollen, painful and bleeding rectum, causing a feeling of pressure.
“There could be the possibility that pile could affect about 50 per cent of men before they reach 50 years.
“You might notice a streak of blood on the outside of your stool or on the toilet paper when you wipe your bottom or splashes of blood on the toilet bowl,’’ Anthony said.
She said that there could also be a feeling of discomfort when cleaning up, after passing stool hence the need to avoid the use of toilet tissues in preference for constant use of water for cleaning oneself.
Highlighting the causes of haemorrhoids in pregnancy, she said that the process of childbirth and the increased pressure of the weight of the baby in the anal area could trigger pile.
According to the medical practitioner, it naturally dissolved after delivery of the baby.
The doctor said that it was important for people to avoid straining while passing stool, adding that increased pressure on the rectum could lead to inflammation of the haemorrhoids.
She stated that people should be aware that they should pass stool immediately nature called, not delaying it till some other time, as such could harden their stool.
Anthony said that most haemorrhoids were manageable; stressing that it was only in severe cases that surgery could be considered. (NAN)