What should I avoid eating when I have perianal abscess?

Patients with perianal abscesses need to avoid spicy, irritating, and greasy foods, and reduce the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods to prevent symptoms from worsening and affecting recovery. A light, fiber-rich, and easily digestible diet is recommended to avoid excessive gastrointestinal burden or constipation due to dietary problems.

1. Spicy and irritating foods

Spicy and irritating foods (such as chili peppers, pepper, mustard, alcohol, etc.) can easily irritate the intestinal mucosa and perianal skin, leading to increased local blood flow in the lesion area, causing perianal pain and the spread of abscesses. Patients with perianal abscesses should strictly avoid such foods. For example, hot pot, barbecue, spicy hot pot, etc. are not suitable for consumption during the illness and recovery stage. It is recommended to choose mild cooking methods such as steaming and boiling soup.

2. Greasy, high-fat foods

Greasy foods such as fatty meat, fried chicken, and potato chips can slow down intestinal peristalsis and increase the risk of constipation. Constipation may be caused by difficulty in defecation and excessive force, which can increase perianal pressure, hinder abscess drainage, and increase the risk of infection. In terms of diet, low-fat cooking methods such as steaming and stewing should be used as the main method, and high-quality proteins such as chicken breast and fish should be used to supplement the body's nutrition.

3. High-sugar foods

High-sugar foods (such as desserts, carbonated drinks, milk tea, etc.) can easily promote the growth of intestinal bacteria and increase the risk of worsening abscess inflammation. Some studies have shown that excessive intake of high-sugar foods can affect the speed of wound healing. Patients with perianal abscesses should reduce the frequency of high-sugar foods and recommend replacing sweets with low-sugar fruits such as apples and kiwis.

4. Eat more foods rich in dietary fiber

Foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, can help improve intestinal health and promote smooth bowel movements. Common choices today include oats, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and spinach. These foods can not only relieve constipation, but also prevent pain and secondary infection caused by excessive force in the anus due to inability to defecate smoothly.

5. Drink enough water

For patients with perianal abscess, maintaining adequate water intake is an important measure to assist recovery. Daily water intake should not be less than 1500-2000 ml, which can effectively prevent dry stools and constipation. It is recommended to choose warm water or light salt water, but avoid irritating drinks such as ice water and cola.

6. Eat high-protein foods in moderation

Protein plays a key role in wound healing and tissue repair. High-quality protein sources such as eggs, fish, lean meat and soy products are indispensable in the daily diet of patients with perianal abscesses. However, excessive frying or cooking with seasonings should be avoided to avoid increasing the fat burden.

7. Quit smoking and drinking

Alcohol not only affects local blood circulation, but also reduces systemic immune function and delays the recovery of perianal abscesses. Smoking may aggravate tissue hypoxia and further worsen the inflammatory response of the lesion. Smoking and drinking should be stopped during the recovery period.

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is not only helpful for the recovery of perianal abscess, but also reduces the possibility of recurrence. Patients should also pay attention to dietary hygiene and avoid eating unclean food that may cause gastrointestinal infections. For patients with severe or recurrent illnesses, they should seek medical attention in a timely manner and adjust the treatment plan according to the doctor's advice. Do not ignore or delay treatment. A healthy diet combined with active medical intervention can help patients with perianal abscesses return to normal life as soon as possible.