During these times when cold air persists, special attention is needed for health management.
Among various conditions, one that many people complain about is hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid patients tend to increase sharply from winter, as lower temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict and blood circulation to become less smooth, which is a major factor worsening anal health. Additionally, alcohol consumed at various gatherings also tends to aggravate hemorrhoid symptoms, causing distress to patients.
In fact, hemorrhoids is a general term that includes slightly different conditions such as ‘chihak’ (hemorrhoids), ‘chiru’ (anal fistula), and ‘chiyeol’ (anal fissure), with chihak being the most common. When people mention that something has protruded outside the anus and say ‘I have hemorrhoids,’ it is more accurate to refer to the condition as chihak.
Chihak is a condition involving problems in the vascular tissue mass called the ‘anal cushion,’ which reduces the impact of bowel movements. It is divided into ‘internal hemorrhoids,’ which cause painless bleeding after defecation or protruding lumps, and ‘external hemorrhoids,’ which appear in the area covered by skin outside the anus.
If a thrombus forms inside the hemorrhoid, a hard lump can be felt, causing severe pain. According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, the number of chihak patients in 2023 was about 620,000, with people in their 40s and 50s accounting for approximately 21.2% and 21.6% respectively, but those in their 20s and 30s also represented a significant portion at 11.7% and 17.9% respectively.
The occurrence of chihak is closely related to various lifestyle habits. Excessive straining during bowel movements or sitting on the toilet for a long time are representative habits that worsen chihak, and excessive drinking or lack of fiber intake can also trigger related symptoms.
Dr. Kim Ji-hyung, a colorectal surgeon at Centum General Hospital, explained, “It is best to prevent chihak before it occurs, but even if it has already developed, symptoms can be alleviated through lifestyle improvements. Chihak is not necessarily a condition that must be treated only with surgery.”
Chief Kim Ji-hyung, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Centum General Hospital. Provided by Centum General Hospital
Regarding this, Dr. Kim Ji-hyung emphasized, “If you work in the same position for a long time, it is good to stretch frequently or change your posture, and it is important to develop eating habits that include sufficient intake of dietary fiber and water. When defecating, focus on the bowel movement to stay in the bathroom for a short time, and avoid the habit of straining too hard.”
Chihak is classified from mild grade 1 to severe grade 4 depending on the degree of symptoms. If symptoms are mild, lifestyle improvements and medication can be actively used, but if symptoms worsen, procedures such as rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy can be additionally attempted.
If symptoms do not improve despite these attempts, surgery is considered as a last resort.
Dr. Kim Ji-hyung advised, “Many people feel embarrassed to reveal their anal condition to others and hide it, missing the opportunity for timely treatment. Starting treatment at an early stage can reduce unnecessary pain, so it is recommended to get an accurate diagnosis at a hospital without feeling burdened.”
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