More Junk Food and Less Exercise May Increase Risk of Piles, Fistula and Fissures

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Eating junk foods and not doing exercise regularly can increase the risk of developing piles, fistula and fissures in young adults aged between 18 and 25 years, said doctors.

People with piles and fissures - common disorders concerning the anal region - suffer from symptoms like passing bloody stools or having trouble passing stools, itchy and irritable anal cavity, inflammation, rectal bleeding, and discomfort when sitting for a long time, among others ().

‘Young adults aged between 18 and 25 years are more prone to piles, fistulas and fissures due to increased junk food consumption and physical inactivity. #Piles #AnalFistula #AnalFissures’

What is Fistula?

A fistula is an unusual opening near the anus that connects to the inside of the anal canal in the colon. It typically arises due to factors like injury, surgery, infection, or inflammation of anal glands. Pain, swelling in the anal area, boils, skin irritation around the anus, bleeding, and discomfort during bowel movements are the major symptoms ()."

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids or piles happen when veins inside and outside the anus become swollen and enlarged. This condition is now seen in adults between 25-55 due to obesity, pregnancy, a diet low in fibre, constipation, diarrhea, lifting heavy objects, and straining during bowel movements," told Lakin Vira, General Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Mumbai."

What is Anal Fissure?

An anal fissure is a result of a tear in the lining of the anus or anal canal (). This problem occurs because of constipation, straining during bowel movements, and ulcerative colitis," he added.

Lakin said that in the past 2-3 months, approximately 50 patients have visited with complaints of piles and fistula, and for fissures, the number is higher than 80.

About 60 percent of males while 40 percent of females suffer from fistula and piles. Whereas, 70 percent of females and 30 percent of males tend to have fissures. "There is overall over 10 percent in these conditions when compared to previous years. The incidence of these conditions is recently seen in age groups of 18-25 due to junk food consumption," the doctor noted.

Hemant Patel, Laparoscopic and General Surgeon, Zynova Shalby Hospital said that "cases of piles, fistula and fissures are increasing in younger age groups mostly in males. There has been a significant rise in these patients in the past few years". He noted seeing 5-6 patients with such conditions daily.

How to Avoid Piles, Fistula and Fissures?

According to health experts, eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, preventing constipation by incorporating fibre-rich foods into meals, maintaining proper hydration by drinking sufficient water, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, and avoiding straining during bowel movements can help ease the condition.

Other ways to manage the condition include "medications, creams, and a sitz bath. If the conditions get severe then one will have to undergo a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery," Lakin said.

References:

1. Understanding Piles, Fissures, and Fistula: Symptoms, Treatment, and Surgery - (https:www.royalcarehospital.in/disease-and-treatment/understanding-piles-fissures-and-fistula-symptoms-treatment-and-surgery/)
2. Anal Fistula - (https:www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/anal-fistula)
3. Anal Fissures - (https:www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/anal-fissures)

Source: IANS