What Causes Hemorrhoids? 15 Possible Reasons You're Feeling Swollen Down There

Hemorrhoids are swollen and enlarged veins on the anus or in the lower rectum. The rectum is the gut's last section, leading to the anus, the orifice at the tip of the bowel by which fecal waste exits the body. In this region, everyone possesses hemorrhoidal tissue, mainly composed of blood vessels, connective tissue, and some muscle. Various conditions can causes of hemorrhoids, the most common of which is straining to perform a bowel movement. Carrying heavy things, as well as other actions that induce straining, might result in hemorrhoids. Other factors that contribute include increased pressure during pregnancy and being overweight. Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and irritating if they frequently occur, although they are rarely fatal. This article will look into hemorrhoids, the symptoms and causes of hemorrhoids, and treatment and prevention.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are bulging veins in the lower rectum or around the anus. By the age of 50, almost half of all individuals have hemorrhoids. Internal or external hemorrhoids can occur. Internal hemorrhoids form inside the anus or rectum. External hemorrhoids form outside the anus. Hemorrhoids are also said to be piles. External hemorrhoids are the most frequent and inconvenient. Hemorrhoids can cause extreme itching, discomfort, and trouble sitting. But it was curable.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

The symptoms you experience are determined by the type of hemorrhoids you have. Internal hemorrhoids can result in the following:

• After a bowel movement, there is blood on the tissue.
• Skin that protrudes from the anus during bowel motions.

External hemorrhoids cause the following symptoms:

• Itching all over the anus.
• Unpleasant lumps or enlargement around your anus.
• Pains or soreness all around the anus, particularly when sitting.
• Hemorrhoids are not always painful.

External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, can occasionally cause a blood clot to develop on the skin. It is also called a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Internal hemorrhoids can prolapse as well. That is, they will not retract into the anus. Both prolapsed, and thrombosed hemorrhoids can be very painful. Although hemorrhoids are unpleasant, they are not life-threatening and generally cure without treatment. Also Read: How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last? Know Treatments options.

What are the causes of hemorrhoids?

Here are the 15 reasons for hemorrhoids;

1. Pregnancy- During pregnancy, rectum tissues weaken, and hormones cause veins to relax and expand. About 35% of pregnant women may suffer from hemorrhoids.
2. Agening- Hemorrhoids are more frequent in persons over the age of 50. They can, however, be obtained by adolescents and youngsters.
3. Diarrhea- Continuous diarrhea may result from your Hemorrhoids
4. Chronic constipation- Straining to pass feces puts additional strain on blood vessel walls, which can lead to hemorrhoids.
5. Sitting for an extended period- Spending an extended period sitting, particularly on the toilet, might result in hemorrhoids.
6. Diet- Consuming meals high in fiber may contribute to hemorrhoids.
7. Heavy lifting- Hemorrhoids can be caused by repeatedly lifting heavy things.
8. Anal intercourse- This might create new hemorrhoids or aggravate existing hemorrhoids.
9. Weight- According to research, being overweight has been related to an increased risk of hemorrhoids. This might be due to increased abdominal pressure.
10. Genetics- Certain people are predisposed to developing hemorrhoids.
11. Dehydration- Dehydration can aggravate hemorrhoid symptoms by making it difficult to evacuate your bowels. 
12. Chronic cough- A prolonged cough increases abdominal pressure and may result in piles.
13. Surgery- Those who have previously had rectum or anus surgery are at a comparable risk of piles because their rectum and anus muscles may be weak, and straining may result in piles.
14. Liver disease- Cirrhosis of the liver causes varicose veins, which are swollen and engorged veins within the rectum. They can develop in the absence of constipation, resulting in bleeding and other issues. Ascitis, or the accumulation of extra fluids in the abdomen, increases the risk of piles.
15. Occupation- Individuals whose jobs require them to sit for a long time are in danger of developing piles due to strain on the anal blood vessels.

Also Read: Why Do Hemorrhoids Itch and How Can You Get Rid of Them?

What are the treatment hemorrhoid treatment options?

Hemorrhoids can be treated at home, or you can visit a doctor.

1. Pain relief - 

Soak in a lukewarm tub of water for no less than 10 minutes daily to reduce discomfort. To ease the burning and itching, apply an over-the-counter (OTC) medicinal suppository, ointments or creams. You can buy Hemorrhoid suppositories online and in shops.

2. Fibre Supplements -

An OTC fiber supplement might help soften your stool if you're constipated. Psyllium and methylcellulose are some of the supplements for fiber.

3. Home remedies -

Hydrocortisone or hemorrhoid cream, an over-the-counter topical medication, will help cure Haemorrhoids. Witch hazel pads can also help with hemorrhoids. Maintain proper hygiene by cleansing the anus with warm water daily during a bath. Using soap may even worsen your hemorrhoids, so it should be avoidable. While wiping after just a bowel movement, avoid using dry or scratchy toilet paper. A cold compress applied to the anus will help minimize hemorrhoid swelling. Pain medicines, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin, might also help. Also, Read 5 Foods to Avoid with Hemorrhoids

4. Medical treatments -

If home remedies aren't working for your hemorrhoids, the doctor may offer a rubber band ligation. The doctor performs this operation by wrapping a rubber band around hemorrhoid and cutting off circulation. This reduces circulation to hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink. A medical specialist should only perform this procedure. Do not try this on your own. If rubber band ligation is not your choice, your doctor may recommend injectable treatment, also known as sclerotherapy. During this procedure, your doctor quickly injects medication into a blood vessel. It leads hemorrhoids to shrink. Book an online appointment with the Best Sclerotherapy Doctors in India

How can you prevent hemorrhoids?

Improvements to your lifestyle can help reduce the chance of hemorrhoids. Here are a few examples:

1. Having a nutritious diet:

Consuming fiber-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, will help keep stools soft. Over-the-counter fiber supplements and drinking lots of water can also help with constipation.

2. Avoiding straining:

When using the toilet, a person should attempt not to strain. Straining strains the veins in the lower rectum.

3. Going to the toilet when necessary:

It is better to avoid having to wait to use the restroom. The more someone sits, the dryer the stools get.

4. Obtaining frequent physical activity:

Exercise will help stool pass through the intestine, resulting in more regular bowel movements. Keeping a healthy body weight: Being overweight increases your chances of developing hemorrhoids.

Conclusion - 

Hemorrhoids are large and bulging veins in the anus and rectum. The causes of hemorrhoids include prolonged sitting or standing, straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy, obesity, and a low-fiber diet. The majority of hemorrhoids cure on their own. Therapies often focus on symptom relief and may involve taking warm baths, cortisone cream, or suppositories. Exercise, consuming plenty of fluids, and eating more fiber can help ease constipation and prevent future hemorrhoids. Also Read: Hemorrhoid vs Rectal Prolapse: what's the Difference?