Hemorrhoids Uncovered - Part I

Hemorrhoids causes and risk factors

Precisely why hemorrhoids develop is unknown. The major contributing factor appears to be too much pressure on the veins in the rectum. If the pressure continues, the veins become enlarged and protrude.

A common cause and risk factors of hemorrhoids include:

• Constipation.
  Constipation is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids. This is because constipated individuals tend to consistently strain to evacuate their bowels, increasing pressure in the rectum.
• Diarrhea.
  Frequent diarrhea can be caused by illness, diet, disease, and the misuse of laxatives.
• Genetic predisposition (heredity).
  Because the tendency to develop hemorrhoids seems to run in families, doctors believe that at least part of the risk for hemorrhoids is genetic (inherited).
• Overuse of laxatives.
  Frequent use of laxative may result in diarrhea, and increase your likelihood of getting hemorrhoids.
• Pregnancy and labor.
  Hemorrhoids are a common, usually temporary problem among pregnant women caused by hormonal changes and increased pressure by the growing fetus which forces the veins to work harder to pump blood. During labor, hemorrhoids may develop because of the intense pressure on the anal area while pushing to deliver the baby.
• Chronic venous insufficiency.
  Hemorrhoids can be a sign of general weakness in the veins. Contributing factors are standing or sitting for long periods, being overweight, not exercising enough, and smoking.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
  Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease may be the underlying cause of hemorrhoids.
• Portal hypertension.
  Increased pressure within the portal vein blood from the intestines to the liver. Liver cirrhosis (scarring) is the most common cause.
• Aging.
  Starting in the thirties, there is a progressive weakening of the support structures in the area. Half of people who are older than 50 seek treatment for hemorrhoids.
• Excessive pressure.
  On the veins in the pelvic and rectal area causes hemorrhoids. As pressure increases, blood pools in veins and causes them to swell, stretching the surrounding tissue and forming hemorrhoids.
• Being overweight.
  Excess weight, especially in the abdomen and pelvis, may increase pressure on pelvic veins.· Spending long periods of time on the toilet (like reading).
• Prolonged sitting or standing.
  This may cause blood to pool in the anal area and increase pressure on the veins.
• Frequent heavy lifting.
  This can cause a sudden increase of pressure in blood vessels.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Eating a low-fiber diet.
• Low daily intake of fluids.

However, some people will have none of these conditions and still develop hemorrhoids. Humans are prone to hemorrhoids because erect posture puts a lot of pressure on the veins in the anal region.

Identify your condition in Part II of Hemorrhoids Uncovered series, click HERE.

Researched by Hafidzah@1AlternativeMedicineS.com