Hemorrhoids causes and prevention

Hemorrhoidal veins are present in each one of us inside as well as outside the lower intestine region. When a person suffers from hemorrhoids, the veins get swollen and irritated giving rise to certain symptoms like pain, bleeding, itching and overall discomfort.

There are two categories of hemorrhoids. These are:

• External hemorrhoids: These types of hemorrhoids occur outside the anus. Masses of bulging veins take the shape of a small lump near the anus. If this area develops blood clots, the lump becomes hard and painful. This condition of external hemorrhoids is termed as thrombosed hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids are normally quite painful as the tissue underlying the skin near the anus has a thick covering of nerve endings.
• Internal hemorrhoids: Internal hemorrhoids are not always accompanied by pain due to absence of nerve endings within the lower intestine passage. In case of internal hemorrhoids, rubbing of hard stool against the hemorrhoids results in rupturing that causes bleeding. Sometimes it might so happen that internal hemorrhoids are pushed or "prolapsed" out of the opening of the lower intestine canal. In certain rare situations, the spasm of the sphincter muscle may trap the hemorrhoids in the prolapsed state. The blood circulation is thus cut off in these strangulated hemorrhoids. Both strangulated as well as prolapsed hemorrhoids need urgent medical attention.

Several risk factors that are responsible for hemorrhoids have been recognized. However there is no unanimity of opinions as to the exact cause of this condition.

• Diet has been identified as one of the serious causes of constipation which leads to risks of developing hemorrhoids. Western diet has been blamed for containing little quantity of roughage or fiber. Consuming processed food jeopardizes our normal digestive functioning giving rise to chronic constipation. The incidences of hemorrhoids in African nations are comparatively low since their diet contains a good amount of fiber and roughage. Insufficient intake of water, excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, along with our sedentary lifestyles are also responsible for giving rise to hemorrhoidal conditions.
• Our modern toilet style encourages straining which may lead to hemorrhoids. The habit of reading while being seated adds a lot of pressure on the veins of the lower intestine region.
• Diarrhea is another factor behind the development of the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Frequent use of laxatives aggravate diarrhea to a great extent, thus adding to the likelihood of acquiring hemorrhoids.
• Aging has also been linked to the development of hemorrhoids. Basically with old age the tissues that provide support to the veins in the lower intestine area turn weaker.
• Prolonged sitting or standing, pelvic tumors and "the other type of intercourse" also do contribute to developing hemorrhoids as these put quite a lot of pressure near the lower intestine portion.
• Certain individuals are genetically predisposed to developing hemorrhoids. These persons have inherently weak and delicate veins that are prone to rupturing.
• Faulty bowel habits too are responsible for giving rise to hemorrhoids. Postponing bowel movements and racing through defecation, both put undue pressure on the veins within the lower intestine.
• During pregnancy, mostly during the final trimester, the growing fetus exerts a great amount of straining on the veins, quite often leading to hemorrhoids. Similarly during labor, the lower intestine region too experiences enormous pressure.
• Obesity too is an added risk for causing hemorrhoids.
• Pelvic and abdomen tumor, cirrhosis or other diseases of the liver can also be the contributing factors towards the growth of hemorrhoids.

Are you one of those fortunate ones to have still not developed the symptoms of hemorrhoids? Read on to find out the ways to even further curtail the future chances of developing this condition.

• Include more fiber and bran in your diet: Modern day diet mostly contains processed or refined foods with minimum fiber content and a high proportion of fats of animal origin. Such category of food lacks roughage to soften the stool. This leads to the exertion of undue pressure during bowel movement. Do avoid consuming foods that may result in gas, flatulence or indigestion. In addition to changes in dietary habits, drink more water daily to avoid constipation and consequent straining on the lower intestine.
• Get rid of faulty bowel habits: Try not to wait till "nature calls" or further postpone bowel movements. This will lead to your stool becoming drier and harder thus compelling you to put excessive pressure on the lower intestine region. Avoid sitting for long on the toilet and reading.
• Develop an active lifestyle: Do walk, and indulge in exercises for developing a healthy digestive system. Take in some breaks in between if your job demands sitting or standing for long hours.