Hemorrhoids occur when there is pressure on the pelvic veins, causing the swelling of the anal veins. The increased in pressure can be caused by diarrhea, rushing through the bowel movement, pregnancy, and obesity. The constant pressure will also result in the weakening of the tissues around the anal canal thus causing the veins to swell and the surrounding tissues to bulge.
This medical condition is quite common. Experts estimate that approximately half of all the number of Americans has had this condition when they reach 50 years of age. Despite this huge number, only a few seek treatment. Records show that only 500,000 people are treated annually. It is important to note that about 10% to 20% of these people had to undergo surgery to remove the lump.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Doctors say that there are people who are prone to developing lumps in their anal canal because inherent problems in their body’s production of collagen and elastin as a result of some genetic predisposition. This will in turn result to the weakening of the rectal vein walls. There are patients that have been found to have related medical conditions like “flat feet” and hernia.
There are some that contract the medical condition because of some issues in their intestinal tract.
Notable causes include: genetic predisposition (weak vein walls of the rectum), excessive straining while doing bowel movements, and pressure as a result of improper posture. Constipation and diarrhea, constant sitting, eating habits, and pregnancy are just some of the other known causes.
The condition is common in pregnant women because of the pressure that the unborn child causes on the abdomen. Changes in a pregnant woman’s hormones can also cause veins to enlarge causing lumps in the anus and the rectum. During childbirth, the veins are further subjected to pressure. However, this condition disappears naturally after giving birth.
Prevention is the Best Cure
How do you prevent the occurrence of this medical condition? Doctors recommend more fluid intake, exercise, and maintaining proper posture. It is also important that you change your eating habits: include more fiber-rich foods and stay away from processed foods.
How are they treated?
Most patients do not require surgery or medications because their conditions are only temporary. Some heal naturally when they change their eating habits. Doctors usually include in the treatment that isolation of the risk factors and eliminating them. Once these have been identified, they prescribe topical analgesic to help in the shrinkage of the lumps.
What if they are left untreated?
If these are left untreated, they can cause more than just discomfort and annoyance. Some sufferers do not seek treatment at all because of embarrassment. But that has to be overcome. While this is not a fatal condition, it can affect your daily activities in the long run. Who would want to suffer and feel pain each time with their bowel movements?
Internal lumps can become painful if left untreated. These may also cause constant soiling of the underwear, which is a source of discomfort and further embarrassment.
Getting treatment for hemorrhoids is necessary. You might be sparing yourself from more serious medical conditions.
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