Bad lifestyle, long hours on chair make techies vulnerable to piles

Bengaluru: Many techies in the city are suffering from haemorrhoids or piles and doctors claim it is due to improper food habits and long hours of sitting or travelling.

City doctors point out that there has been a rise in such cases among corporate professionals and the patients experience uneasy bowel moments, due to pain and even bleeding in the rectum.

Dr Narasimhaiah Srinivasaiah, Senior Consultant-Colorectal Surgery, Apollo Hospitals Bannergatta Road said, “Nearly 14% of cases of piles or haemorrhoids are seen in techies who make up for the most affected group. This is due to the sedentary lifestyle they are exposed to which involves sitting for long hours at work that creates a tear in the lining of the anal canal, similar to a crack in the lip and causes significant pain, discomfort and bleeding.”

The causes of piles or haemorrhoids are predominately due to abdominal pressure, age, chronic cough, prostatic problems, diet and lifestyle.

“Men tend to have bigger sphincter than women. Though the condition is not life-threatening, the pain caused by a deep chronic haemorrhoid is even more excruciating than a sore tooth and can last for several hours,” Dr Narasimhaiah added.

Pankaj, a 40-year-old techie was facing bleeding and pain in the rectum region over a period of time. It was observed that he used to sit or travel for long hours which led to this condition. Blood was found every time he wiped the region as well as on pants. The condition caused him discomfort while sitting and passing stools.

He along with his wife finally visited Apollo Hospital and it was confirmed that he had haemorrhoids. He finally underwent haemorrhoidectomy in Apollo hospital and is now leading a comfortable life.

Dr Sumit Talwar, Consultant, Minimal Access and General Surgery, Manipal Hospital said, “The exact cause is uncertain, but it is observed that hemorrhoids are caused by constipation and excessive straining during the passage of stools. It is also thought that spending too much time in the loo may also be one of the causes. The commonest cause of constipation is inadequate fibre in diet, which comes from raw vegetables, green leafy vegetables and fruits.”

Irregular food and stool habits worsen constipation, thereby increasing the risk of haemorrhoids, said Dr. Vinay Bhat, Consultant - Surgical Gastroenterology, Aster CMI Hospital.

“Treatment of hemorrhoids depends on the stage. In early stages, medicines or endoscopic banding is used to treat hemorrhoids. In advanced stages, surgery is the only option. It is easier to prevent hemorrhoids by adopting a healthy and active lifestyle,” he added.