In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes, types, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of hemorrhoids—a condition that many people experience but rarely talk about.
Hemorrhoids are a very common condition among South Koreans. If asked to name a representative disease, many people would likely think of “cancer,” which they often encounter in TV dramas or movies. However, the representative condition we’ll be discussing in this post is none other than “hemorrhoids.” Even when they have hemorrhoids, most people tend to hide or not disclose their condition because the affected area is considered somewhat sensitive and embarrassing. As a result, it’s harder than you might think to find someone around you who suffers from hemorrhoids, but in reality, it is a very common condition. According to National Health Insurance medical statistics and data from the domestic medical community, hemorrhoids are known to be one of the most common anal diseases, and a very large number of people experience them at least once in their lifetime. While the incidence is particularly high among middle-aged and older adults, changes in lifestyle have recently led to a significant number of cases among younger age groups as well. Since hemorrhoids are a condition that can affect anyone in modern society, we will explore this topic further.
With the advent of modern society, hemorrhoids have become an even more common condition. Although congenital factors can contribute to hemorrhoids, it is now widely recognized that acquired lifestyle habits play a greater role in their development. In modern society, where time is of the essence, people often cut back on meal times. As a result, eating habits have become irregular: fiber intake has decreased, while consumption of processed foods and meat-heavy meals has increased, leading to a rise in constipation. When constipation occurs, hard stools passing through the anal canal can damage anal tissue and cause inflammation, potentially leading to hemorrhoids. Additionally, the habit of sitting for long periods while using a smartphone in the bathroom is known to be a risk factor for hemorrhoids. This is because maintaining the same posture for extended periods can put significant strain on the blood vessels around the anus. For this reason, students who spend long hours sitting at a desk studying may also be at risk for hemorrhoids. Not only students, but also office workers who spend long hours at their desks and those in professions that require prolonged sitting or standing are highly likely to develop hemorrhoids.
Although I have consistently referred to “hemorrhoids” so far, the term actually encompasses hemorrhoids, anal fistulas, and anal fissures. When people commonly refer to “hemorrhoids,” they are usually referring to “hemorrhoids.” The prefix “chi” refers to anal diseases, and “hyeok” means a lump; just by looking at the name, one can get a general idea of what the condition entails. Inside the anal canal, there is cushioning tissue composed of blood vessels and connective tissue that serves to cushion the impact during bowel movements and prevent fecal incontinence. If abdominal pressure increases continuously—due to habits such as straining excessively during bowel movements or the lifestyle factors mentioned earlier—blood can pool in this tissue, and as the elasticity of the surrounding anal tissue decreases, a lump may form. If this mass is damaged during a bowel movement, bleeding occurs; as the condition progresses, the mass may protrude outside the anus—a condition known as hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are classified into external and internal hemorrhoids. Those that develop in the mucosal tissue above the dentate line are called internal hemorrhoids, while those that develop in the skin below the dentate line are called external hemorrhoids. When both types occur together, they are referred to as mixed hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can cause the skin to stretch due to repeated blood clot formation and vascular dilation. Internal hemorrhoids are generally classified into four degrees based on the extent of protrusion. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include bleeding during bowel movements, itching, discomfort around the anus, and discharge.
Since hemorrhoids are primarily caused by constipation and poor lifestyle habits, symptoms often improve in the early stages (Grades 1 and 2) simply by making lifestyle adjustments. The most important steps are to consume sufficient fiber and fluids and to avoid straining excessively during bowel movements. Additionally, taking a warm sitz bath can help alleviate symptoms. Excessive alcohol consumption can dilate blood vessels and worsen symptoms, so it is advisable to limit alcohol intake. However, these methods are suitable only when symptoms are relatively mild. If symptoms worsen—such as when prolapse recurs or causes significant discomfort in daily life—professional treatment, such as medication, procedures, or surgery, may be necessary.
Hemorrhoids are not a life-threatening condition like cancer or severe infectious diseases. However, since they can easily affect anyone and significantly reduce quality of life, it is worth paying attention to them. Although I, the author of this article, am not currently suffering from hemorrhoids, as a student—and considering that I may one day have a job requiring me to sit for long periods—I must remember that hemorrhoids are a condition that can affect anyone. It is most important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and, if symptoms appear, to seek appropriate medical care without feeling embarrassed.
