What should patients with hemorrhoids pay attention to in daily life?

People with hemorrhoids should pay attention to adjusting their diet, developing good bowel habits, maintaining proper local hygiene, avoiding unhealthy lifestyles and postures, and engaging in moderate physical exercise. A scientific lifestyle can effectively relieve symptoms, reduce recurrence, and help stabilize the condition. Specific recommendations are as follows:

1. Adjust diet structure: Increase intake of dietary fiber by consuming more foods such as celery, spinach, apples, and oats to promote intestinal motility and prevent constipation. Avoid spicy and irritating foods like chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, and ginger, which may stimulate blood vessels around the anus and worsen congestion and swelling. Also limit alcohol consumption to prevent symptom exacerbation.

2. Develop healthy bowel habits: Maintain regular bowel movements and avoid suppressing the urge to defecate, which can cause stool to remain in the intestine too long and become dry and hard. Avoid using mobile phones or reading during bowel movements, and keep each session within 5 minutes to prevent prolonged straining that increases venous pressure in the anal area and aggravates hemorrhoid symptoms. Use mild laxatives appropriately when constipated, but never strain excessively.

3. Maintain proper local hygiene: Gently wash the anal area with warm water after each bowel movement. Avoid using coarse toilet paper or rubbing vigorously, which may damage the hemorrhoidal mucosa and lead to infection. After washing, gently pat the area dry with a soft towel to keep it clean and dry. Apply mild hemorrhoid ointments as directed by a physician to relieve itching and pain.

4. Avoid unhealthy作息 and postures: Avoid chronic sleep deprivation and ensure sufficient rest, allowing the body to recover and supporting healthy blood circulation in the anal region. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods at work. Get up and move around for 5–10 minutes every hour, and change positions regularly to reduce pressure on the tissues around the anus.

5. Engage in moderate physical activity: Choose gentle exercises such as walking, jogging, or yoga, and practice for about 30 minutes daily to improve overall circulation and reduce venous congestion in the anal area. Pelvic floor (anal lift) exercises can also be performed regularly—contracting and relaxing the anal muscles helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduces the risk of hemorrhoid recurrence.

Effective hemorrhoid management focuses on prevention and daily care. With appropriate self-care, symptoms can be well controlled, flare-ups reduced, and recovery promoted.