Hemorrhoid Causes
By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/07/2006 at 03:23PM
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that occur either inside the anus or under the tissue surrounding the anus. As the body's waste enters the pelvic and rectal canal, the tissues surrounding the inside of the anus fill with blood to help control bowel movements. Hemorrhoids develop when excessive pressure causes these veins to swell and stretch. Just about everyone is susceptible to developing hemorrhoids. Nearly half of all adults in the United States will develop a hemorrhoid at some point in their lives. The tendency to develop hemorrhoids is hereditary. Pregnant women often develop hemorrhoids because of the prenatal strain on the body. Constipation, child birth, weight, improper lifting technique, lack of exercise, spinal cord injuries, and certain disease such as lung disease and heart disease, are all contributing factors to the development of hemorrhoids. Read on to learn more about each of these factors and the changes you can make to reduce your chances of developing hemorrhoids.
Constipation
Constipation is a common hemorrhoids cause. Excessive straining during bowel movements places tremendous pressure on the anus as does prolonged periods of sitting on the toilet. Increase fiber and water consumption to soften and bulk up stools making them easier to pass. Daily exercise will also help to stimulate the digestive muscles and move waste through the system more quickly.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes, increased blood volume and pressure on the uterus all increase a pregnant woman's tendency to develop hemorrhoids. Between twenty and fifty percent of all pregnant women will develop hemorrhoids at some point during the pregnancy. Lie down and rest as often as possible throughout the day to avoid placing too much strain on rectal veins. And practice Kegel exercises regularly to strengthen the vaginal muscles, improve circulation, and prevent or alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Child Birth
If you had hemorrhoids during pregnancy, it is likely that the intense pushing associated with labor will make them worse. And if you were free of hemorrhoids before child birth, it is entirely possible that the strain of labor will contribute to their development. Daily exercises such as walking and Kegel exercises can be extremely beneficial in alleviating hemorrhoids that develop during labor. Daily exercise will stimulate the digestive muscles to prevent constipation. And though you may have thought you were finished with Kegel exercises once labor and delivery were over, these exercises can improve circulation to the rectal area and can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Weight
People who are overweight have a higher incidence of hemorrhoids than people who are not. Excess weight places a greater amount of stress on the body in general, especially the delicate veins of the rectum. Daily exercise can not only improve circulation and aid in weight loss, it is also helpful in avoiding any constipation that could cause hemorrhoids.
Lack of Exercise
Exercise stimulates the digestive system and allows food and waste to proceed more quickly through the body. If you do not get enough exercise, food in your system will sit in the colon for longer periods and become subject to dehydration. Daily exercise can be as simple as a walk around the block. Practiced for about thirty minutes on a daily basis can improve health and lessen the incidence if hemorrhoids. Women can also practice Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the vaginal wall and improve circulation in the anal and vaginal area. No special equipment or experience is necessary to do Kegels. Simply squeeze the vaginal and anal muscles as if you were trying to avoid urination. Hold the tensed muscles for as long as possible (working up to about eight to ten seconds.) Repeat the move about twenty five times throughout the day.
Improper Lifting Technique
Heavy lifting and poor lifting technique can also contribute to hemorrhoidal development. The sudden increase of pressure on the blood vessels can cause the veins in the rectal area to stretch and swell. Don't lift objects that you are not physically strong enough to lift. Bend you knees and avoid holding your breath when lifting. Instead, breather evenly, exhaling as you lift the object.
Family History
You may inherit a family tendency to develop hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to avoid this tendency. But you can prepare for its inevitability and make an effort to reduce other factors that could contribute to the development of a hemorrhoid.
Age
You can't escape your age. As you get older, your veins become more fragile and your chances of developing hemorrhoids increases. Half of all adults over fifty years of age seek treatment for hemorrhoids.
Liver and Heart Disease
These two conditions may cause blood to pool up in the pelvic and rectal area, increasing the pressure in this area and increasing the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries hinder movement in the pelvic area and allow blood to pool up in the rectal veins. This contributes to the development. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to avoid this tendency. But eating a healthy and exercising if possible can help to reduce the likelihood.
