Haemorrhoids, or piles, affect many people, with the trigger being the veins in the anus or the lower part of the rectum getting swollen and inflamed. This swelling can lead to bleeding and discomfort. Haemorrhoids can be either inside or outside the anal canal and can form a hard and painful lump sometimes. The condition is not a severe medical problem, but it can drastically interfere with your self-esteem and daily activities.
Now, let's look into what causes piles so that we remain better informed about the condition.
What are the Causes of Haemorrhoids?
- Straining During Bowel Movements: Your bowel habits matter. Straining while passing stool, often from constipation, increases pressure on the blood vessels in the rectal area, one of the leading piles causes.
- Chronic Constipation or Diarrhoea: Consistent difficulty with bowel movements, whether due to chronic constipation or frequent episodes of diarrhoea, can be a contributing factor. Both extremes disrupt the body’s natural balance and strain the rectal veins.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: If you sit for prolonged periods, especially on the toilet, you may be at a higher risk. A sedentary lifestyle hampers blood circulation, and can contribute to the development of haemorrhoids.
- Obesity: Carrying extra weight adds tension to the pelvic and rectal veins. Obesity is a known risk factor for haemorrhoids, and keeping a healthy weight can lower this risk.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: Ladies, do take note. The pressure exerted on the pelvic area during pregnancy and childbirth can lead to haemorrhoids. Hormonal changes also play a role in weakening the rectal vein walls.
- Genetic Predisposition: Your family history matters. If your parents or close relatives have had haemorrhoids, the condition can make you genetically predisposed and, hence, more susceptible.
- Age: Ageing can weaken the connective tissues in the rectal area. As you age, the risk of haemorrhoids may increase.
- Heavy Lifting: Engaging in frequent heavy lifting, especially without proper techniques, can strain abdominal and pelvic muscles, potentially leading to the development of haemorrhoids.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Liver conditions such as cirrhosis can lead to portal hypertension, increasing pressure in the veins connected to the liver. This elevated pressure can extend to the rectal veins, contributing to haemorrhoid formation.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, categorised under IBD, can contribute to inflammation in the rectal area, potentially leading to haemorrhoids.