Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Hemorrhoids (AmE), haemorrhoids (BrE), emerods, or piles are swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus. The anatomical term “hemorrhoids” technically refers to “‘Cushions of tissue filled with blood vessels at the junction of the rectum and the anus.”[1] However, the term is popularly used to refer to varicosities of the hemorrhoid tissue. Perianal hematoma are sometimes misdiagnosed and mislabeled as hemorrhoids, when in fact they have different causes and treatments.[2]
Increased straining during bowel movements, by constipation or diarrhea, may lead to hemorrhoids.[3] It is thus a common condition due to constipation caused by water retention in women experiencing premenstrual syndrome or menstruation.
Hypertension, particularly portal hypertension, can also cause hemorrhoids because of the connections between the portal vein and the vena cava which occur in the rectal wall — known as portocaval anastomoses.[4]
Obesity can be a factor by increasing rectal vein pressure. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause hemorrhoids. Poor muscle tone or poor posture can result in too much pressure on the rectal veins.
Pregnancy may lead to hypertension and increase strain during bowel movements, so hemorrhoids are often associated with pregnancy.
Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine can cause hemorrhoids.[5] Both can cause diarrhea. Note that caffeine ingestion increases blood pressure transiently, but is not thought to cause chronic hypertension. Alcohol can also cause alcoholic liver disease leading to portal hypertension.
Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, anal melanoma or irritation and itching, and retardation, also called pruritus ani, have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are usually not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.
[tubepress mode=’tag’, tagValue=’Hemorrhoid’]