Being aware of what causes a person to get Hemorrhoidal Disease is an important step in preventing future cases of it. Often, hemorrhoid prevention is a matter of adopting proper dietary, bowel, and physical exercise habits. By partaking in sound habits, you can better defend yourself from Hemorrhoidal Disease before or after treatment of existing cases.
The ultimate cause of any case of HD is increased pressure in the veins of the hemorrhoidal cushions in the anal canal. This increased pressure weakens the muscle and connective tissue in the hemorrhoids, causing the vascular network to distend and protrude from its normal position. This is just the ultimate cause, however; understanding what actions a person takes to lead to that cause is important, as well.
The pressure in the veins of the hemorrhoidal cushions often increases due to the pressure of our straining muscles, or even due to the force of gravity. Many of the actions we take on a daily basis put strain on the muscles of the anal canal.
Consider some of the following cases that make someone highly susceptible to Hemorrhoidal Disease:
- Heavy Physical Activity: The strain of heavy physical activity can put serious pressure on the veins of the anal cushions, making many athletes susceptible.
- Pregnancy and Labor: The child carried in the womb can cause extended periods of pressure on the veins of the hemorrhoidal cushions, as can the heavy straining during labor.
- Low-Fiber Diets: The absence of fiber in a diet can make the passage of stool more difficult, and this increased strain can lead to swollen hemorrhoids.
- Poor Bowel Habits: Resisting the urge and putting off going to the bathroom can mean increased strain during the bowel movement. To some extent, this can be a major contributor to a case of HD.
- Extended Periods of Sitting: We don’t often think of sitting as strenuous, but it can put heavy pressure on the hemorrhoidal cushions, if one sits for extended periods.
- Obesity: The increased pressure put on the circulatory system by obesity can lead to a number of health problems, including Hemorrhoidal Disease.
- High Blood Pressure: Increased blood pressure throughout the circulatory system can lead to increased pressure in the veins of the anus, which could lead to HD.
- Age: The tissues, muscles, and veins of the anal canal can start to lose their elasticity as age progresses, heightening the chances of increased pressure on the hemorrhoidal cushions.
Given these common culprits for Hemorrhoidal Disease, understanding hemorrhoid prevention is easy. Physical exercise is a great way to keep yourself in shape, but don’t push yourself too hard; take frequent breaks and avoid excessively strenuous jobs or activities. Adopt a fiber-rich diet (or take supplements) and always try to go to the bathroom as soon as possible to avoid excess strain during passage. Take frequent, short breaks during the day if you work in an office to relieve some of the pressure on the hemorrhoidal cushions and allow them to rest. Staying healthy in other ways by managing a healthy weight and blood pressure will also help keep you free of inflamed hemorrhoids.
Causes and Prevention of HD | Hemorrhoid Treatment Center of Florida
Understanding the cause and prevention of hemorrhoids will help keep you free of hemorrhoid problems in the future, but if you are currently experiencing symptoms of Hemorrhoidal Disease in the Tampa Bay area, including Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, contact our office today. Call (727) 724-4279 to talk with a physician and schedule a free consultation to discuss the best treatment option for you.