Updated April 28, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Question: Common Causes of Hemorrhoids
What causes hemorrhoids and how can hemorrhoids be prevented?
Answer:
Hemorrhoids, also known as anal piles or rectal piles, are very common. Most Americans will experience hemorrhoids at some point in their life. Some hemorrhoids can be prevented, and the pain can be minimized in others.
Hemorrhoids are caused by swollen veins in the anal and rectal areas, and can cause significant discomfort and pain.
Activities and conditions that increase the pressure on these blood vessels will increase the chances of developing hemorrhoids.
Common Causes of Hemorrhoids
In some cases, there is little that can be done to prevent hemorrhoids from forming. There are medical conditions that can lead to hemorrhoids, as well as risk factors that are beyond anyone's control, such as their age.
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Medical conditions that increase abdominal pressure, such as liver disease
Preventable Causes of Hemorrhoids
The vast majority of the preventable causes of hemorrhoids can be remedied by a few simple steps, including drinking adequate fluids, adding fiber-rich foods to the diet such as fruit and vegetables, and not trying to force a bowel movement. Known causes:
Sources:
Hemorrhoids. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Accessed June, 2011.http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hemorrhoids/
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