The Unspoken 'Winter Menace' Hemorrhoids... Fear of Winter When Blood Vessels Constrict Due to Cold

Blood Vessel Pressure Increases Due to Temperature Differences, Raising Risk of Hemorrhoids, Anal Fissures, and Fistulas

Shorten Bathroom Time... Do Not Hide Symptoms, Seek Active Treatment

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Cold, flu, falls. Besides hypertension, there is another ‘hidden threat’ that targets our body as much as the winter chill.

Hemorrhoids, which have a higher risk of occurrence due to blood vessel constriction, are also a typical winter concern.

A woman in her 40s, Ms. A, who usually suffered from severe constipation, developed hemorrhoids due to constipation but endured the pain silently because visiting a hospital was inconvenient.

However, with the cold wave in winter and the large temperature difference between morning and evening, the pain worsened, and she eventually decided to undergo surgery.

In the cold winter season, blood vessels in the body constrict, increasing the risk of vascular-related diseases.

The anal blood vessels are also significantly affected during the cold winter. According to the 2019 National Interest Disease Statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, out of a total of 640,074 patients, 86,646 patients visited in January, the coldest month, accounting for 13.5% of the total.

‘Hemorrhoids’ broadly refer to anal diseases, including ‘hemorrhoids’ which are lumps formed by the enlargement of the anal and lower rectal venous plexus, ‘anal fissures’ which are tears in the anal mucosa, and ‘anal fistulas’ caused by inflammation leading to fistula formation.

Hemorrhoids occur due to structural abnormalities caused by pressure on the anal and rectal venous vessels. Although the exact cause is unknown, they develop when excessive pressure is applied during bowel movements such as diarrhea or constipation, or when sitting on the toilet for a long time increases vascular pressure. Obesity, pregnancy, prolonged sitting, and excessive drinking are also causes that enlarge the blood vessels around the anus.

Typical symptoms include anal bleeding, itching, pain, discomfort, and palpable lumps around the anus.

Hemorrhoids are primarily diagnosed through a digital rectal examination, where a finger is inserted into the anus, and additional tests such as anoscopy or proctoscopy may be performed. Colonoscopy or biopsy may be necessary to differentiate from anal or rectal cancer.

In the early stages, hemorrhoids can be improved with conservative methods such as lifestyle modification or medication. Depending on the severity of symptoms, auxiliary procedures like rubber band ligation or hemorrhoidal artery ligation, and surgeries such as hemorrhoidectomy may be considered.

Dr. Jo Ho-young, a surgeon at Daedong Hospital, said, “Patients who have had hemorrhoids usually experience increased pain or bleeding in winter due to the constriction of blood vessels around the anus and increased venous pressure caused by low temperatures, leading many to visit hospitals. Anal diseases cause discomfort in daily life but are often embarrassing to talk about with others. Delaying treatment can worsen symptoms, so it is best to promptly consult a surgical specialist.”

To prevent hemorrhoids, it is necessary to reduce tension and pressure on the anus by increasing sufficient water and fiber intake, and actively treating constipation without neglect, experts point out.

Avoid staying in the same position for long periods, and rather than spending a long time on the toilet looking at smartphones or newspapers during bowel movements, develop a habit of focusing only on the bowel activity.

Also, to maintain regular bowel habits, go to the bathroom immediately when feeling the urge, and keep the anus clean by taking warm sitz baths, experts recommend.