NCD Watch

Haemorrhoid Flare-up - A No Laughing Matter

22 Feb 2011 (Tue)

A telephone interview survey conducted by the Department of Health in 2010 found that among about 2 000 community-dwelling people aged 18-64 in Hong Kong interviewed, 13.5% had haemorrhoids at the time of survey. Among them, 56.8% got haemorrhoid flare-ups (i.e. having intense anal pain or bled) at least once in the 12 months before enumeration. Although haemorrhoids are seldom life-threatening, they can cause excruciating pain when they are inflamed or thrombosed. It is a no laughing matter at all. To reduce the risk of developing haemorrhoids and flare-ups, members of the public are urged to prevent constipation by eating a balanced diet and staying well-hydrated, exercise regularly, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, have a regular bowel habit and use laxatives only when it is necessary and as per doctor's prescription.