Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Hemorrhoids – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, & Complications

Hemorrhoids Causes

In fact, hemorrhoids are tissue made of blood vessels, elastic fibers, and muscle. Normal hemorrhoid tissue will become slightly dilated when people pass stool from the anus, and the enlarged tissue performs as a cushion to protect the anal canal. When people finish the bowel movement, hemorrhoid tissue will go back to normal. Problem hemorrhoids happen when hemorrhoid tissue keeps swelling and becomes inflamed. As time goes by, hemorrhoid tissue could prolapse into the anal canal, and piles appear, though people often call them hemorrhoids.

Generally speaking, the reason causing swollen hemorrhoids is excessive straining or increased pressure. To be more specific, you could develop hemorrhoids if you have:

  • Constipation and chronic diarrhea

Both constipation and chronic diarrhea could put pressure on the blood vessels in the anus, causing hemorrhoids to swell.

  • Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnant women are a high-risk group for having hemorrhoids. The enlarged uterus and growing fetus could exert pressure on hemorrhoids tissue and cause veins to swell.

  • Obesity

Obese people are more likely to experience hemorrhoids because extra weight around abdominal regions increases the pressure on veins of the anus.

  • Prolonged sitting and heavy lifting

While you are seated, the gluteal muscles spread out due to pressure on your buttocks, leading to piles. Lift heavy objects could also be the possible trigger of having hemorrhoids. [2]