What Causes Haemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoid Disease Causes: What You Need to Know

Our bodies often signal distress through pain, swelling, or discomfort, and one such condition that commonly brings all three is haemorrhoid disease. Although it's usually considered an embarrassing topic, haemorrhoids are more common than people realise, affecting nearly three out of four adults at some point.

Also known as piles, haemorrhoids are inflamed and swollen veins found in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus), and while many cases are mild and manageable, more severe forms can impact quality of life.

Read below to understand what causes haemorrhoid disease, its treatment, and other crucial aspects!

What are the primary causes of haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids develop when the veins around the anus or lower rectum become swollen or inflamed. This can happen due to increased pressure and weakened vein walls. The following are the most common causes:

1. Straining During Bowel Movements : One of the most frequent causes of haemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements. This puts excess pressure on the veins in the rectal area, causing them to stretch and swell. Chronic constipation or diarrhoea, both of which disrupt normal bowel function, can lead to repeated straining.
2. Chronic Constipation or Diarrhoea : Chronic constipation can make it difficult to pass stools, prompting individuals to push harder. On the other hand, persistent diarrhoea can irritate the anal lining and increase inflammation, leading to haemorrhoid formation.
3. Prolonged Sitting or Standing : Sitting or standing for extended periods, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure in the rectal veins. This is particularly true for people with sedentary lifestyles or jobs that require sitting for hours at a stretch.
4. Low-Fibre Diet : A diet low in fibre results in harder stools that are more difficult to pass, increasing the likelihood of straining. Lack of fibre also contributes to constipation, which further exacerbates the issue.
5. Pregnancy : Haemorrhoids are common during pregnancy due to increased pressure in the pelvic area. As the uterus expands, it puts pressure on the rectal veins. Hormonal changes and constipation during pregnancy also increase the risk.
6. Obesity : Carrying excess body weight, particularly in the abdomen, can increase pressure within the pelvic region, straining the veins and making haemorrhoids more likely.
7. Heavy Lifting : While heavy lifting is not a well-established independent risk factor for hemorrhoids, regularly lifting heavy objects without proper technique can strain the lower body and pelvis. Over time, this strain may increase the risk of developing haemorrhoids, especially if combined with other risk factors like poor diet or constipation.
8. Ageing : As people age, the supportive tissues surrounding the veins in the rectum and anus tend to weaken and stretch, making haemorrhoids more likely. Haemorrhoid disease is especially prevalent in individuals over 50.
9. Genetics : There may also be a genetic component. If your parents had haemorrhoids, you might be more likely to develop them as well due to inherited vein weaknesses or other factors.

What are the symptoms of haemorrhoid disease?

The symptoms depend on whether the haemorrhoids are internal or external:

Internal haemorrhoids:

• Bleeding during bowel movements (bright red blood)
• Prolapsed haemorrhoid (bulging outside the anus)
• Discomfort or fullness in the rectum

External haemorrhoids:

• Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
• Swelling around the anus
• Itching or irritation
• Hard lumps near the anus (possible blood clots)

How Can I Stop My Haemorrhoids?

Stopping haemorrhoids often involves lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce pressure in the rectal area:

1. Eat a High-Fibre Diet: To soften stools, include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Drink Plenty of Water: Hydration helps prevent constipation.
3. Avoid Straining: Don't delay bowel movements; try not to push forcefully.
4. Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps maintain bowel regularity and decreases pressure on veins.
5. Limit Sitting Time: Take breaks from long sitting sessions, especially on the toilet.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reduces pressure on the abdominal and rectal veins.

What are the best treatment options for haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoid treatment varies depending on severity. Most cases improve with conservative measures, but advanced or persistent cases may require medical intervention. These include:

Home Remedies

• Warm sitz baths for 10–15 minutes
• Over-the-counter creams or ointments containing hydrocortisone
• Cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Lifestyle Changes

• Gradual increase in dietary fibre
• Increased fluid intake
• Avoiding prolonged sitting

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Rubber Band Ligation: A rubber band is placed around the haemorrhoid base to cut off blood supply.
• Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected to shrink the haemorrhoid.
• Coagulation Therapy: Infrared or laser light is used to harden and shrink internal haemorrhoids.

Surgery

• Haemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of haemorrhoids. It is effective but may require a longer recovery period.
• Stapled haemorrhoidopexy: Used primarily for prolapsed haemorrhoids. It repositions the haemorrhoid and cuts off its blood supply.

While haemorrhoid disease is often seen as a minor nuisance, it can significantly affect day-to-day comfort and quality of life when left untreated. Fortunately, it is a manageable condition with the right combination of prevention tips, lifestyle modifications, and medical care.

Understanding the root causes—whether straining, low-fibre diets, prolonged sitting, or underlying conditions like pregnancy or ageing—can help individuals make informed decisions about prevention and treatment.

At Star Health, we emphasise awareness, early diagnosis, and personalised care. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms of haemorrhoids, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare provider.