The Many Causes of
Hemorrhoids
by Josh Riverside
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 Info
provides detailed information about the causes, symptoms, and
treatment of internal, external, and bleedings hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids Info is the sister site of Warts Web.
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