Cause of Hemorrhoids
By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/06/2006 at 11:22AM
Factors That Cause Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins that occur in the anal area. They are caused by excessive pressure on the rectal veins. Hemorrhoids (also called piles because of their resemblance to a pile of grapes or marbles,) can cause itching, pain, burning, and bleeding. Over fifty percent of adults of fifty years of age will develop hemorrhoids at some point. But age is just one factor that contributes to the cause of hemorrhoids. If you have hemorrhoids, or if you are concerned about developing them, read on to learn about the factors that increase your risk, and what you can do to prevent hemorrhoids.
How Hemorrhoids Develop
As the body's waste enters the pelvic and rectal canal, the tissues surrounding the inside of the anus (sometimes called "anal cushions,) fill with blood to help control bowel movements. A Cause of Hemorrhoids is excessive pressure in the veins within these cushions to swell and stretch. When the surrounding tissue is no longer able to support these swollen veins, they will begin to bulge either in the anal canal or under the skin surrounding the anus. The intensity and duration of the hemorrhoids depends on what type of hemorrhoid develops.
Types of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that form inside the anus. They are usually not painful, but they may bleed. Bright red blood in the stool or on the toilet tissue is a classic symptom of an internal hemorrhoid. Sometimes, an internal hemorrhoid may become a prolapsed hemorrhoid if it protrudes through the rectum and hangs outside of the anus. Prolapsed hemorrhoids may recede back into the rectum on their own. Or they may go back if they are gently pushed. A prolapsed hemorrhoid that cannot be pushed inside may require medical intervention.
Cause of Hemorrhoids - External hemorrhoids occur in the veins around the anus. They can be itchy and painful and occasionally, an external hemorrhoid will crack or bleed. They are characterized by swelling or a hard lump around the rectum. This lump is the result of a blood clot in the hemorrhoid (called a thrombosed hemorrhoid.) This lump will look like an oversized blueberry and it can be quite irritating and painful.
Who Gets Hemorrhoids?
Just about everyone is susceptible to the cause of hemorrhoids. Nearly half of all adults in the United States will develop a hemorrhoid at some point in their lives. Bowel habits, physical stresses, and other conditions increase the cause of hemorrhoids. These are factors that you can change. Other factors such as age, and genetic predisposition cannot be changed.
What You Can Do
Constipation and diarrhea are common causes of hemorrhoids. The excessive straining during bowel movements associated with constipation, and the explosive bowel movements of diarrhea, both put tremendous pressure on the anus. Other factors that can lead to the development and cause of hemorrhoids include weight, improper lifting technique, and prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
The best way to prevent the cause of hemorrhoids is to establish healthy bowel habits. This in turn prevents the constipation and diarrhea that often cause hemorrhoids. Increasing fiber and water consumption will help to soften and bulk up stools, making them easier to pass. Daily exercise also helps to stimulate the digestive muscles and move the body's waste through the system. Also, avoid straining during bowel movements and when lifting heavy objects.
Things You Cannot Change
Try as you might to improve you diet, exercise routine, and bowel habits, there is still a possibility that you may cause hemorrhoids if another predisposing factor exists. You may have an increased chance of causing hemorrhoids if the tendency runs in your family. Age is another factor, in that half of all people older than 50 years of age seek treatment for hemorrhoids. Infections in the rectal area, spinal cord injuries can also lead to the cause of hemorrhoids. Pregnancy often causes hemorrhoids because of the prenatal strain on the body.
Alleviating the Cause of Hemorrhoids
If you do develop a hemorrhoid, the pain, itching, and discomfort may seem unbearable at times. However, there are many things that you can do to alleviate some of these symptoms. To relieve the pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids, soak in a warm tub for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Avoid using rough, dry toilet paper, or toilet paper that contains perfumes or dyes as this can irritate the sensitive tissues. Instead, clean the anal area with a warm, wet washcloth or a baby wipe. And do not use aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen as they can cause hemorrhoids to bleed more. Home remedies for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids include flaxseed oil, fiber supplements, Hematrex and certain enemas. For particularly troublesome hemorrhoids, your health care provider may recommend a medical procedure such as Clot Removal, Rubber band ligation, Sclerotherapy, Laser or Infrared Coagulation, Hemorrhoidectomy, or PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids.)
