Why Do People Get Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are a common and chronic condition of the anal and rectal canal which is described as painful masses or clumps that may rupture and bleed. Having hemorrhoids is said to be a common condition and about less than 10% of individuals who develop hemorrhoids develop serious complications like rupture and severe bleeding. But why do people get hemorrhoids? There is no specific cause of this condition however; there are several risk factors that can lead to the development of hemorrhoids:

Constipation - people who have chronic constipation are prone to having hemorrhoids. Hard and dry stool can impact the lower end of the large intestine and as a result of the pull of gravity can accumulate in the rectum. When large stools pile up and scratch the lining of the rectal walls, hemorrhoids form. Constipation also leads to straining when passing stools which can also lead to the development of hemorrhoids. When constipation is not treated, hemorrhoids may complicate, rupture and bleed at the slightest strain.

Prolonged sitting - jobs or a lifestyle that allows a person to sit for a long period of time may lead to the development and the exacerbation of existing hemorrhoids. Building heat and pressure on the anal area may be contributing factors as well as a sedentary lifestyle may all lead to this chronic condition.

Genetics - there are genetically inherited characteristics like weak vein walls can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. Experts however believe that genetics alone may not be enough to cause hemorrhoids; other predisposing factors must be included like diet, lifestyle and physical activities.

Western Diet - Why do people get hemorrhoids? Medical experts believe that a Western Diet may be a huge contributor to the development of hemorrhoids. A diet lacking in roughage or dietary fiber and water is increases the risk of getting hemorrhoids. A Western Diet is rich in refined flour, animal protein and sugar while Asian and African diets on the other hand are rich in dietary fibers from plant sources, natural grains and roughage from vegetables and fruits.

Pregnancy - women often develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy; this is usually the result of the uterus adding pressure on the veins of the rectal walls. A woman may also develop hemorrhoids during labor as she strains during delivery.

Postponing bowel movement - it is a given that the longer fecal matter stays in the large intestine the more water is drawn from it. The drier stools become, the harder it is to pass without straining. When the urge to defecate is inhibited, signals that are sent to the rectal muscles to pass stools are inhibited resulting in a difficulty to defecate without doing a bit of straining. As the urge to pas stools are delayed, the colon is filled with fecal matter that increases pressure on the rectal and anal veins; swelling ultimately results and eventually develops into hemorrhoids.

Diseases and infections - finally, why do people get hemorrhoids? There are certain diseases like enlargement of the liver, intestinal tumors, digestive problems; irritable bowel syndrome and rectal cancer can all lead to the development of hemorrhoids.