What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also commonly known as piles, are swollen and inflamed small veins in the lining of the anus. It is a very common condition, affecting about half the population of Western countries at some point in their lives. Hemorrhoids become more common with increasing age, for both men and women, and women often experience them during pregnancy -- although usually only temporarily, the hemorrhoids disappearing again once the pregnancy is over.
There are two principal causes of hemorrhoids: high blood pressure in the veins around the anus, and weakening of, or damage to, the walls of the veins in the anal lining. These two factors often work together to cause the veins to swell and develop into hemorrhoids, and are themselves caused by a variety of other factors that are therefore indirect causes of hemorrhoids.
If the causes are not removed, or at least reduced, then the hemorrhoids are likely to continue to grow, with consequent increased severity of symptoms such as pain, discomfort and bleeding.
High Blood Pressure
The blood pressure in the small veins of the anal region can be increased by:
- Using the large diaphragm muscle to assist in bowel evacuation (as is usual when using the normal sit-down toilet). This temporarily increases the pressure in the whole abdomen, including in the veins of the anal region.
- Standing for prolonged periods. This causes blood to pool in the veins of the anal region, increasing the local blood pressure.
- Sitting for prolonged periods (especially with poor posture). This also increases the pressure in the veins of the anal region.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol. This causes liver disease that leads to raised blood pressure in the portal veins (which includes those of the anal region).
- Pregnancy is often accompanied by Increased general blood pressure.
- Obesity, stress, lack of exercise and excessive salt or caffeine consumption. These are all causes of increased general blood pressure.
Weakened Veins
The small veins of the anal region can be weakened and/or damaged by excessive stretching or distortion of the anal wall. This can be caused by:
- Excessive straining of the muscles in the anal region, particularly while emptying your bowels.
- Passing abnormally hard or large stools, such as during bouts of constipation.
- Lifting heavy objects, especially repeatedly such as during weight training exercises. This can put additional strain on the muscles of the anal region.
- Pregnancy, especially in the later stages. The growing baby distorts the course of the rectum, making excessive straining during bowel movements more likely.
Treatment and Prevention
If you take steps to avoid, or at least reduce, the factors described above that either directly or indirectly cause hemorrhoids, then the natural healing process will be much improved. In mild cases, such steps may be sufficient to allow the hemorrhoids to heal themselves without further treatment.
In more severe cases, more aggressive treatments will be necessary, such as the application of creams, ointments and suppositories, but their effectiveness will be enhanced if the underlying causes are also tackled at the same time.
Once your hemorrhoids have healed, continuing to avoid or minimize the causal factors will then help to prevent them redeveloping in the future.
Much more about hemorrhoids treatment, causes and symptoms is available on Hemorrhoids-Explained.com.
Toby Lichfield is a writer specializing in health matters, natural remedies and self-treatment of common problems.