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Going abroad brings many changes, amongst which are the food we eat, the seasoning and spices that we use to prepare it, and even how we eat. Remember those sit-down lunches with our office mates in Manila be it in a carinderia or a fancy restaurant, versus the sandwiches or cookies we eat while riding the bus or driving our car in the USA. These changes affect our bodies. Interestingly, the first question submitted on this site was on hemorrhoids due to constipation from a new OFW in Malaysia. Hence, this article:
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Hemorrhoids
By: Priscilla Sanchez, M.D.
Internist, Geriatric Medicine
Hemorrhoids are swollen or enlarged veins in the anal canal. These are very common and can cause pain, itchiness, and even bleeding. Hemorrhoids can be “internal” or external”, and often, both types occur simultaneously. These result from persistently elevated pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis and rectal vault due to constipation or even diarrhea, both of which may lead to straining in order to push out the feces. They also commonly occur in pregnant women because of the increased pressure exerted by the enlarged uterus on the rectum.
Hemorrhoids are not serious or life-threatening but they can become strangulated or thrombosed, which can result in a very painful condition. It can be diagnosed readily by your attending physician by means of a simple examination. Procedures involving a scope (i.e. proctosigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) will be recommended only if an examination for rectal bleeding yields negative results for hemorrhoids.
Treatment of haemorrhoids involves modifying the diet to include more fiber in the form of fruit, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals. Any increase in fiber intake should be accompanied by an increase in water intake. Fiber supplements in powder or tablet form are also widely available over the counter. More severe cases of haemorrhoids may require procedures such as rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy, and sometimes, surgery is necessary.
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