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A-Z Causes Of Piles Or Haemorrhoids

We often hear of the disorder piles mentioned in jokes and taunts. It is regarded as a somewhat embarrassing condition to have. So you will be genuinely surprised to hear that more than 50 percent of people suffer from piles at some point of time in their lives. This is mainly because the causes of piles or haemorrhoids (as they are also known) are extremely common. Rectal bleeding during passing stool is the primary symptom of haemorrhoids. But bleeding stools can happen due to other conditions as well. The remedy for piles can be found only when you know its main causes.

Piles or haemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in the rectal regions. When these enlarged blood vessels remain inside the rectum, they do not cause any pain. The reason is that there are no pain nerves inside the rectum. But when the haemorrhoids appear in the outer region of the rectum they get opened up while passing stools.Pain and bleeding during stools is not only uncomfortable but also a cause of worry. If it is not checked it can lead to anaemia, infections and also rectal cancer over a period of time.

Many things we do in our day to day life can be the causes of piles. So here is a detailed look at all the causes of piles.

Straining On The Toilet

Straining On The Toilet

If you have to strain for more than 5 minutes on the toilet to pass stools, then it is not normal. Straining enlarges the already bloated piles and leads to bleeding.

Obesity

Obesity

When you are obese, the pressure on your lower body is immense. This can be one of the causes of piles. The blood vessels in the rectal region get enlarged and bleed during passing stools.

Drinking Less Of Water

Drinking Less Of Water

Water is a major component of stool. When your body is hydrated, it keeps the stools soft. When your stool is soft, it puts little pressure on your rectal blood vessels. So one of the remedies for piles is to drink a lot of water through out the day.

Low Fibre Diet

Low Fibre Diet

When your daily diet is lacking in roughage, your stools will be hard. Hard stools result in friction on the rectal walls and eventually lead to bleeding. The remedy for piles is to eat lots of green leafy vegetables.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Many pregnant women complain of having haemorrhoids. During pregnancy, the blood vessels are dilated to accommodate larger volumes of blood. This makes pregnant women prone to piles.

Chronic Constipation

Chronic Constipation

Some individuals are prone to constipation round the year. Even dietary adjustments do not always help them. If you have chronic constipation, piles would be the eventual result of it. It is best to use laxatives to prevent it.

Sitting For Long Periods Of Time

Sitting For Long Periods Of Time

Most people have desk jobs these days. That too can be one of the causes of piles. Sitting puts pressure on your bottom and can lead to swollen blood vessels.

Using Rough Tissues

Using Rough Tissues

Always buy good quality toilet paper. Rough and stiff tissue papers can sometimes scrape the rectum. This too can develop into a case of piles.

Lack Of Erect Posture

Lack Of Erect Posture

If you have a permanent slouch, then can be one of the unusual causes of haemorrhoids. Sloughing puts pressure on your lower back and butt. This extra pressure can make your haemorrhoids flare up.

Eating Extremely Spicy Food

Eating Extremely Spicy Food

It has been observed that communities that traditionally eat spicy food are prone to piles. This is because spicy food further irritates the sore anus and makes bowel movements uncomfortable.

Weight Training At The Gym

Weight Training At The Gym

Some weight lifting programs may not be suitable for you. Especially squats with weights can lead to bloated and injured rectal veins.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea

When you have diarrhoea you have to pass stools again and again. This leads to rubbing, soreness and infection in the anus.

Story first published: Monday, February 17, 2014, 18:10 [IST]
Read more about: disease health