Fistula prevention: Lifestyle changes to reduce risk

A fistula is an abnormal opening or passageway between two organs or blood vessels that can either develop fully inside the body or on the skin’s surface. Several reasons can lead to fistulas, such as injury, inflammation, infection, or surgery. While these are the common reasons behind the occurrence of fistulas, one ignored factor is unhealthy lifestyle choices, which can even make the condition worse.
Fistula leads to severe pain, discomfort and inconvenience to those affected by the condition. Surgery is the only effective treatment when it comes to fixing the condition by closing the connection between the organs.
There are also certain lifestyle adjustments you can make that can significantly reduce the formation of the disease and enhance your quality of life, says Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the best fistula surgeon in Kolkata.
In this blog, we will discuss the required changes that you can make in your diet and daily living to prevent the likelihood of the formation of the condition.

Lifestyle Changes For Fistula Prevention

Follow the tips below, as suggested by the best fistula surgeon in Kolkata, to prevent the formation of fistulas and even avoid their recurrence.

• Eat a fibre-rich diet: Always incorporate fibre-rich foods in your diet to avoid constipation and maintain a healthy digestive system. Choose whole grains, pulses, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables to ensure a smooth bowel movement without exerting any strain. Make sure to avoid fatty and refined foods, as they can block the fistula tunnel and cause more pain, especially in individuals with anal fistulas.
• Stay hydrated: Hydration is a leading cause, which makes the stools dry and difficult to pass. As a result, you are required to put more strain on bowel movements. Hence, make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water to ensure that the stools are soft and easy to pass.
• Maintain hygiene: Keeping the genital and anal areas clean prevents the risk of irritation and infection; otherwise, these regions can get inflamed and not only cause fistulas but also worsen the symptoms.
• Good bathroom habits: Practicing good bathroom habits is essential to prevent conditions like fistulas, piles and fissures. For instance, do not rush to clear your stools to avoid straining. Also, try to go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to have bowel movements. Holding onto stools causes constipation and worsens the situation.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress is a major reason for digestive issues which even worsens fistula symptoms. You can engage in meditation techniques and yoga to reduce stress and ensure your overall well-being.
• Engage in exercise: Stay active to maintain a normal BMI. Incorporate activities in their daily routine to improve blood circulation in the anal regions and support healthy digestive health.

Final words

By adopting these lifestyle changes, you can greatly reduce the formation of fistulas. It can even go a long way in managing the symptoms. If you are experiencing any symptoms, such as swelling or pain around the genital areas, do not delay in consulting the best fistula surgeon in Kolkata.