What Are The Underlying Causes of Hemorrhoids?

The Underlying Causes of Hemorrhoids

More than half of all adult Americans have hemorrhoids. Though everyone has hemorrhoidal veins, hemorrhoids occur only when these veins become distended and at times inflamed. The reasons why veins in the anus and lower rectum swell are not empirically proven. However, there is a general consensus amongst medical practitioners on risk factors.

Undue and recurrent pressure on rectal veins enlarges them. Studies indicate that certain dietary, lifestyle and genetic factors as well as conditions such as pregnancy and tumors expose the hemorrhoidal veins to a high degree of trauma over a period of time, making them weak and flabby.

Constipation and poor nutrition are some of the most commonly cited risk factors. Chronic constipation makes one strain to clear the bowels, exerting excessive pressure on the rectal veins to enable hard dry stools to pass through the anal canal. Sitting on the toilet for too long also causes undue strain. Reading on the toilet might be a welcome mental diversion from the prosaic and often unpleasant task of the moment but it is hard on your posterior. Constipation results from poor health and nutrition. A diet high on processed food and low on fiber and healthy fluids impairs normal digestion, which results in constipation and other ailments. Drinking plenty of non-alcoholic and hydrating fluids and eating enough fruit, vegetables and whole grains is a good way to prevent constipation and the possible development of hemorrhoids. It’s also important to answer nature’s call without delay because stools dry up and harden in protest when made to wait too long, making things unpleasant for you on their way out when they finally get the green signal. Frequent bouts of diarrhea can also rough your rectal veins up.

A sedentary lifestyle is understood to increase one’s propensity to develop hemorrhoids. When you sit in the same position for hours together day after day, your rectal veins come under undue pressure. Frequent movement and regular exercise help to alleviate stress in the anal region.

It is common for pregnant women to have hemorrhoids. However, hemorrhoids that develop during pregnancy are normally temporary and disappear after childbirth. A growing fetus makes the abdomen exert tremendous pressure on the rectal veins, causing them to enlarge. Pelvic tumors also can cause hemorrhoids: they are known to put pressure on the veins in the upper region of the anal canal.

With age, supporting tissues can slacken and rectal veins gradually lose their support thereby descending into the anal canal. Obesity is another risk factor because excess body weight obviously brings pressure to bear on blood vessels in the area. Heredity is also believed to be a contributing factor: some people inherit weak rectal veins, making them vulnerable to hemorrhoids. Liver ailments and anal intercourse may also have an adverse effect on tissues in the rectum and anus.

What Are The Underlying Causes of Hemorrhoids? Whatever the causes, those hard working veins, which slog continually, need your attention, understanding and cooperation to keep them from protesting.