Hemorrhoids: Causes and Risks

Did you know that there are a number of ways that you can get hemorrhoids? Research shows that there is no one single factor leading to this condition, but multiple possible causes. It also affects people of all ages, genders, races and ethnicities, but becomes more common as you age.

Find out the risk factors for developing hemorrhoids to better understand what is causing it and potential ways of avoiding it.

Genetics

One of the main risk factors for hemorrhoids is genetics. Your family history may highly contribute to the risk of having this condition, meaning if your parents or older family members have a history of hemorrhoids, the higher your chances of having the same condition, and the same goes with your descendants. Ask your family members about their history of illnesses to be best informed about your genetic conditions.

 

 

Habitual straining during bowel movement

Another common cause for hemorrhoids is habitual straining during bowel movements. Straining, especially in severe cases of constipation, gets in the way of blood flow into and out of the area. This results in the pooling of blood and enlargement of the vessels in that area. Thus it’s highly advised to avoid straining and putting much pressure on your anal area during bowel movement.

 

Chronic diarrhea

Aside from straining due to constipation, diarrhea can also increase the irritation and swelling of hemorrhoids, which can then cause a burning, painful sensation.

 

 

Pregnancy

For women, pregnancy has also shown high association with developing hemorrhoids, most commonly during the third trimester and immediately after child birth. The causes of hemorrhoids during pregnancy include increased blood volume leading to larger veins, pressure on veins near your anus from the baby and your growing uterus, changing hormones, and constipation. After delivery, the hemorrhoids may disappear completely without any treatment once hormone levels, blood volume, and intra-abdominal pressure decrease.

 

Age

Age is another risk factor for developing hemorrhoids. While young people can also suffer from this condition, it is known to progress most commonly in adults aged 45 to 65. As a preventive measure, one can maintain a healthy lifestyle as one approaches this age.

 

 

Weight

Another crucial risk factor for developing hemorrhoids is one’s weight. Excess weight, especially around the abdominal regions, create a higher risk for developing hemorrhoids. It is highly common in obese and overweight individuals as a result of having excess weight body weight or pressure that constricts the blood vessels surrounding the anus and rectum.

 

 

Heavy lifting

Activities such as repeatedly lifting heavy objects can possibly lead to hemorrhoids. Heavy lifting can put pressure on your anal area, possibly enlarging the veins and warranting a potential cause of hemorrhoids.

 

Liver disease

Diseases such as liver cirrhosis can lead to swollen and engorged veins within the rectum. This can occur without constipation and may lead to bleeding and other complications. Liver cirrhosis also causes ascitis, the collection of excess fluids within the abdomen, possibly leading to hemorrhoids.

 

 

Low-fiber diet

Having a diet with little fiber can cause constipation, leading to hemorrhoids. Thus, it’s highly important to incorporate fiber into your diet, and treat it as your ally against hemorrhoids. Fiber comes in two types, and it’s the soluble fiber that keeps your stools soft but well-formed and easy to pass. According to clinical studies, increasing the amount of fiber in people with hemorrhoids resulted in a decrease of their symptoms and bleeding. Oftentimes, a fiber supplement is considered to be an effective solution to manage hemorroids and its symptoms, alongside other treatment methods advised by doctors.

 

 

Lack of hydration

In the same way that lack of dietary fiber can cause constipation, not drinking enough water can also potentially lead to hemorrhoids because it bothers your digestion and bowel movements. Apart from maintaining a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water can help avoid further complications.

In summary, developing hemorrhoids may not just be due to one singular factor, or one specific action that you’ve done in the past. It can be a combination of multiple factors which include your genetics and lifestyle. It’s important to understand the underlying conditions for developing hemorrhoids in order to find out which areas you can address, as lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can always be improved in order to treat or prevent hemorrhoids.

Aside from taking specific changes in lifestyle, hemorrhoids symptoms can be treated by taking Diosmin + Hesperidin (Daflon 1000), the leading medicine for hemorrhoids and other venous circulation diseases. Just make sure to take advice only from medical professionals to know exactly how to deal with your specific condition because every patient and every case is unique.