What Causes Hemorrhoids
The Many Causes of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are one of the most dreaded conditions imaginable. Going to the bathroom is a part of everyday life and there’s no way to avoid it. Hemorrhoids are sometimes unavoidable. In those cases where you do have control over their existence, it’s best to prevent them while you can. Once they get where they want to be, they can be painful and in some cases, serious enough to require surgery. Understanding the cause of hemorrhoids teaches you how to reduce your chances of having to live with them.
Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the rectal area. This simple definition isn’t the whole story, though. There is a cause for the cause. The increased pressure isn’t always the result of the same adverse condition. There are a number of factors that might be responsible for the formation of hemorrhoids.
Increased pressure in the rectal area can be the result of straining during bowel movements, persisting constipation or diarrhea, being overweight, lifting heavy objects, or being pregnant. Pregnancy and constipation or diarrhea isn’t entirely within your control, but weight and type of bowel movement is something you can control.
This one is obvious. Straining during bowel movements is a bad idea. By straining, you are increasing the pressure on rectal veins and increasing your chances of living with hemorrhoids. If you’re constipated, it’s a good idea to use a stool softener rather than trying to go it alone. This reduces pressure in the rectal area. Hurrying to complete a bowel movement isn’t a great idea either. The same risks are involved.
If you are overweight, your chance of developing hemorrhoids increases. Additional fat in the abdomen can translate into greater pressure in rectal veins, the gateway to hemorrhoids. A sensible diet and exercise plan can help you maintain a healthy goal weight that keeps hemorrhoids from plaguing your life.
These conditions are the main causes for hemorrhoids. Occasionally a tumor may be to blame. A doctor will usually rule that out in the course of diagnosing the condition. Other serious underlying condition of hemorrhoids is liver disease. A doctor will rule this out too before proceeding with treatment.
With a little work on your part, you can live all your life free of the curse of hemorrhoids. For those unfortunates who don’t manage to avoid them, there are many treatments available to help you live symptom free most of the time.
