Hemorrhoids are defined as enlarged, bulging blood vessels in and about the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids are one of the most common ailments affecting people especially in their middle age. They are also a common occurrence during pregnancy. They tend to affect people who lead a sedentary life with a lack of exercise and a low fiber diet.
People are often embarrassed to discuss about their condition although hemorrhoids is an extremely common ailment.
Who is at risk of developing hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids commonly affect people in their middle age
Hemorrhoids can affect anyone at any stage of their life-whether young or old. But hemorrhoids are extremely common in people in their middle age. Hemorrhoids are usually not a sudden occurrence. It is caused by years of constipation and straining at stools that puts considerable pressure on the blood vessels in the area around the anus and the rectum.
People who lead a sedentary life have a tendency to develop hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids commonly affect people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. It is common in clerks, computer operators or people who have desk jobs and their lifestyle does not include much of exercise. Sitting fr long periods results in pressure on the anorectal veins causing them to bulge out of the anus.
Consumption of low fiber diet results in hemorrhoids
Consuming a low fiber diet consequently leads to chronic constipation. People affected by this condition usually suffer from hard stools that put a pressure in the lower rectum. This in turn leads to varicose veins of the anus and the rectum. The more they strain for stools .the worse their condition becomes. Hence it is very necessary for people suffering from hemorrhoids to include fruits and vegetables in their diet as they provide the dietary fiber needed for softening of stools and hence less straining for emptying the bowels.
Hemorrhoids are common in pregnant women
Hemorrhoids are a common occurrence during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is increased blood flow in the body in order to supply nutrition for the growth and development of the fetus. The blood vessels in the rectal area and anus become excessively swollen. Pregnant women are more prone to be constipated due to the pressure of the growing fetus on the lower abdomen. The hormones progesterone and estrogen peak during pregnancy.
These hormones cause laxity of muscles thereby affecting the bowel movements and making them more lax. This is one of the reasons of constipation in pregnant women.
Many pregnant women are often prescribed iron and a folate tablet to overcome iron deficiency anaemia. Constipation is a side effect of these iron tablets. Constipation leads to constant straining at stools. As a result of this pregnant woman may complain of hemorrhoids at some stage of their pregnancy.
Serious conditions like tumors in the pelvis
Hemorrhoids can also be a symptom of some serious conditions like tumors of pelvis.
Aggravating factors
Lifting heavy weights, stress and straining at stools exacerbate the hemorrhoids.
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