The Many Causes of Hemorrhoids
by Josh Riverside
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Stated simply, hemorrhoids are caused by an increase in pressure on
the veins in the pelvic and rectal area that causes blood to pool or
collect inside them which in turn causes them to swell.
A slight increase in pressure causes the irritating itching sensation
which affects most people. This itching sensation can go away by itself if
the underlying cause is temporary and not too much pressure has been
placed on the veins. However, if the pressure continues to increase, the
tissue will continue to swell, which in turn will stretch the surrounding
tissue and more serious hemorrhoids may develop. The slight itching
sensation will turn to a more prevalent burning sensation and spots of
blood will start to appear on bathroom tissue after bowel movements.
Bathroom habits are a primary cause of most common, uncomplicated cases
of hemorrhoids. Such habits are usually temporary, do not cause undue
damage to the tissue and will disappear by themselves or with a few simple
treatments.
Some of these habits are:
Rushing to finish eliminating fecal matter.
When
rushed, the common impulse is to push harder to move the fecal matter
through the large intestine faster. While saving time, this practice puts
more pressure on the veins and tissues than normal and can cause them to
swell or even rupture.
The temporary onset of either diarrhea or constipation, or one followed
by the other (which is common), can place undue pressure on the veins and
tissues again causing them to swell or burst. If the condition clears up
quickly, little damage will be done to the anal cushions and the condition
should reverse itself naturally. However, if the condition persists, even
over a relatively short period of time, the damage to the veins and
surrounding tissue can become quite pervasive and require more extensive
treatment.
Hard, dry stool.
This is primarily a function of
diet however the condition may be caused by a variety of factors not the
least of which is a common side affect of a whole host of medications
prescribed for numerous ailments. If left untreated, even if the symptoms
persist intermittently, the condition can lead to a sever case of
hemorrhoids.
Other factors that can lead to the development of hemorrhoids are:
Heavy lifting.
Especially if one is not used to
hard physical labor, a sudden increase in physical activity, such as
helping a friend move large objects, or lifting heavy items alone, can
cause an immediate onset of hemorrhoids. This condition usually leads to
the painful itching sensation brought on by the sudden increase in
pressure to the area. It usually subsides, if not too serious, by itself,
in a matter of days as long as no more heavy lifting is done. The
sensation has been unceremoniously described as having the feeling of
having something resembling a stick inserted into ones anus.
Obesity.
While causing a variety of problems in
and of itself, obesity can place increased pressure on the pelvic veins
especially if the increased weight is carried predominately in the abdomen
and pelvis.
Pregnancy and delivery.
In addition to the
commonly regarded hemorrhoidal aftermath of delivering a baby due to the
increased pressure on the anal area while pushing the fetus out of the
womb, simply being pregnant causes changes to the mother’s body which
increases the blood flow to the pelvic area and relaxes other tissues
while the constantly enlarging fetus causes increased blood pressure
on many blood vessels in the area.
A variety of medical conditions and a similar variety of treatments
have as one of their side effects conditions which can cause or set the
stage for an onset of hemorrhoids. For example, heart and liver disease,
treated over a long period of time can cause blood to pool in the abdomen
and pelvic area, enlarging the veins and can create the pre-conditions
necessary for an onset of hemorrhoids. Similarly, many of the medicines
used to treat common illnesses have as one their many possible side
effects, conditions that can cause hemorrhoids to form much more easily
than otherwise.
Tumors in the pelvic region or tumors whose position in the body can
cause an increase in blood pressure.
Infections in the anal canal.
Any interference
with normal bowel movements can place increased pressure on the anal
cushions which in turn can cause them to swell. In fact, an infection in
the area can mimic the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
In most cases hemorrhoids occur infrequently, cause little discomfort
and disappear with modest treatment. Furthermore, even in more serious
cases, treating the underlying causes, stopping the constipation or the
diarrhea, adjusting the medicine, improving the diet, etc., can make even
stubborn flare-ups disappear quickly leaving little long lasting effect.
However, some people struggle with hemorrhoids for long periods of
time, unable to make them go away completely except for short periods of
time, unable to stop the itching, burning sensations and discomfort for a
variety of reasons. It is important for all hemorrhoid sufferers to
recognize their condition and do whatever they can to alleviate the
symptoms and prevent flare-ups. For others, hemorrhoids may be a necessary
complication that cannot be 100% controlled but at least may be minimized
to whatever extent possible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hemorrhoids provides detailed information about the causes, symptoms,
and treatment of internal, external, and bleedings hemorrhoids. For more
information go to Hemorrhoids and/or visit its
sister site at Warts Web for
related information.
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