What Are Hemorrhoids?

About 75 percent of people will experience hemorrhoids at some point. Hemorrhoids are varicose (enlarged and swollen) veins around the outside of the anus or in the lower rectum.

The rectum is the last part of the bowel that leads to the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of the bowel where fecal matter leaves the body. Sometimes called piles, hemorrhoids are often the result of straining to make a bowel movement.

Lifting heavy objects, along with other activities that may cause straining, can also lead to hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids may be painful, but they are not dangerous or life-threatening. They will usually go away on their own

Hemorrhoid Causes and Risk Factors

There are several known direct causes of hemorrhoids, including:

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Straining too hard during bowel movements
• Sitting on the toilet for a long time

Factors that raise your risk of developing hemorrhoids include:

• Lack of fiber in the diet
• Obesity
• Aging: as we get older, the connective tissue in the rectum and anus becomes weaker
• Pregnancy: as the fetus grows and puts pressure on the abdomen, the veins in the rectum and anus may become enlarged

Prevention

Preventing constipation by keeping your stool soft and regular is one of the best ways to help prevent hemorrhoids.

The following tips may help you prevent constipation:

• Eat a lot of fiber. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods such as beans.
• A high-fiber diet can make stools softer and bulkier so that they pass easily. Aim for 25 to 38 grams of fiber each day.
• Consider fiber supplements. If you're having trouble getting enough fiber in your regular diet, consider a fiber supplement such as Metamucil or Citrucel.
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Aim for eight glasses of water each day.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise can help keep bowel movements regular.

Other tips for preventing hemorrhoids include:

• Don't strain or hold your breath during bowel movements. Straining can put excess pressure on veins and lead directly to hemorrhoid development.
• Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge.Letting the urge go away can make your stool harder to pass.
• Avoid long periods of sitting. Sitting for too long, especially on the toilet, can stress veins in the anus.

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