Can you get hemorrhoids from lifting. Can Heavy Lifting Cause Hemorrhoids? Understanding the Link and Prevention
How does heavy lifting affect hemorrhoid development. What are the risks associated with weightlifting and hemorrhoids. How can you prevent hemorrhoids while engaging in strength training. What exercises are beneficial for those with hemorrhoids. How do breathing techniques impact hemorrhoid prevention during lifting.
The Connection Between Heavy Lifting and Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, can be exacerbated by various factors, including heavy lifting. But how exactly does lifting weights or heavy objects contribute to the development or worsening of hemorrhoids?
When you lift heavy weights or objects, there’s a tendency to hold your breath and strain. This action, often accompanied by grunting, forces the air in your lungs downward, increasing pressure on your internal organs. Ultimately, this pressure affects the veins near your rectum, causing them to swell and protrude, resulting in uncomfortable hemorrhoids.
The pressure buildup during heavy lifting is similar to the strain experienced during difficult bowel movements, which is one of the most common causes of hemorrhoids. This similarity explains why weightlifters and those who frequently lift heavy objects are at an increased risk of developing this condition.
Types of Hemorrhoids and Their Symptoms
Hemorrhoids are classified into two main types: internal and external. Understanding the differences between these types can help in identifying and addressing the problem more effectively.
Internal Hemorrhoids
- Located inside the rectum
- Usually painless
- May cause bleeding during bowel movements
- Can prolapse or protrude outside the anus
External Hemorrhoids
- Develop under the skin around the anus
- Often painful, especially when sitting
- May cause itching or irritation
- Can form blood clots, leading to thrombosed hemorrhoids
Do all heavy lifters develop hemorrhoids? Not necessarily. While the risk is higher for those who engage in frequent heavy lifting, proper technique and preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing this condition.
Preventing Hemorrhoids During Weight Lifting
If you’re a weightlifter or someone who regularly engages in heavy lifting, it’s crucial to adopt techniques that minimize your risk of developing hemorrhoids. Here are some effective strategies:
- Proper breathing technique
- Correct form and posture
- Gradual increase in weights
- Adequate rest between sets
- Staying hydrated
- Maintaining a high-fiber diet
How can proper breathing prevent hemorrhoids during lifting? Instead of pushing your breath down under the stress of heavy weights, make a conscious effort to push the air up towards your throat. Before each lift, take a deep breath and hold it, pushing the air upwards as you lift the weight. After each repetition, exhale completely and start the process over.
This breathing technique reduces the pressure on your abdominal organs as you strain against heavy weights, helping you avoid hemorrhoids and other conditions such as hernias.
Beneficial Exercises for Hemorrhoid Prevention and Relief
While heavy weightlifting might need to be limited when dealing with hemorrhoids, certain forms of exercise can be beneficial for both prevention and relief of symptoms.
Yoga
Yoga can be an excellent form of exercise for those with hemorrhoids. It promotes better circulation, reduces stress, and includes poses that can help alleviate hemorrhoid discomfort. Which yoga poses are particularly beneficial?
- Child’s Pose
- Cat-Cow Stretch
- Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
- Sphinx Pose
Walking
Regular walking can significantly improve circulation and reduce the pressure on hemorrhoid veins. A 30-minute walk each morning can be a great start to your day and your hemorrhoid prevention routine.
Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and releasing your perineal muscles, can be particularly effective in preventing and managing hemorrhoids. How should you perform Kegel exercises?
- Contract the perineum for four seconds, then release.
- This is considered one set.
- Perform 10 to 15 sets at a time, two to three times a day.
- Gradually increase the hold time by two seconds every two weeks until you reach 10 seconds.
- Once proficient, aim for 10 to 25 sets a day.
The Impact of Age on Hemorrhoid Risk
While hemorrhoids can affect people of all ages, the risk increases significantly as we get older. Why does age play a role in hemorrhoid development?
- Weakening of connective tissues
- Decreased muscle tone in the anal area
- Increased likelihood of chronic constipation
- Cumulative effects of prolonged sitting or standing
Statistics show that nearly half of people over age 50 have hemorrhoids. However, this doesn’t mean younger individuals are immune. Factors such as pregnancy, obesity, and yes, heavy lifting, can contribute to hemorrhoid development in younger adults as well.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Hemorrhoids
While many cases of hemorrhoids can be managed with home remedies and lifestyle changes, there are instances when professional medical attention is necessary. When should you consult a doctor about your hemorrhoids?
- Persistent bleeding during bowel movements
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Hemorrhoids that don’t improve with home treatment
- Recurrent hemorrhoids
- Changes in bowel habits accompanied by hemorrhoid symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may range from conservative measures to surgical interventions in severe cases.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent and Manage Hemorrhoids
While exercise and proper lifting techniques are important in preventing hemorrhoids, other lifestyle factors also play a significant role. What changes can you make to reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids?
Diet Modifications
- Increase fiber intake: Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber per day
- Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily
- Limit processed foods and excessive red meat consumption
- Include probiotic-rich foods in your diet
Bathroom Habits
How can you improve your bathroom habits to prevent hemorrhoids?
- Avoid straining during bowel movements
- Don’t sit on the toilet for extended periods
- Use soft, unscented toilet paper or wet wipes
- Consider using a squatting position or a toilet stool to ease bowel movements
General Lifestyle Tips
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
By incorporating these lifestyle changes along with proper exercise and lifting techniques, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids or manage existing ones more effectively.
Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids
Despite prevention efforts, sometimes hemorrhoids still occur. In these cases, various treatment options are available, ranging from home remedies to medical procedures. What are some effective treatments for hemorrhoids?
Home Remedies
- Sitz baths: Soaking the affected area in warm water for 15-20 minutes, several times a day
- Cold compresses: Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
- Over-the-counter creams and ointments: Products containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel can provide relief
- Oral pain relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain
Medical Treatments
For more severe cases, medical interventions may be necessary. What are some common medical treatments for hemorrhoids?
- Rubber band ligation: A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply
- Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid to shrink it
- Infrared coagulation: Uses infrared light to create scar tissue and cut off blood supply to the hemorrhoid
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of large external hemorrhoids or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids
- Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A surgical procedure that blocks blood flow to hemorrhoidal tissue
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the type of hemorrhoids, and individual patient factors. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your specific case.
The Psychological Impact of Hemorrhoids
While the physical symptoms of hemorrhoids can be challenging, the psychological impact is often overlooked. How can hemorrhoids affect a person’s mental well-being?
- Embarrassment and social anxiety
- Reduced quality of life due to physical discomfort
- Stress and anxiety about potential flare-ups
- Impact on intimate relationships
- Frustration with ongoing management and treatment
It’s important to address both the physical and psychological aspects of living with hemorrhoids. Open communication with healthcare providers and loved ones can help in managing the emotional toll of this condition.
Support groups, either in-person or online, can also provide a platform for sharing experiences and coping strategies with others who understand the challenges of living with hemorrhoids.
Myths and Misconceptions About Hemorrhoids
There are many myths surrounding hemorrhoids that can lead to confusion and improper management. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions:
Myth: Hemorrhoids are always caused by poor hygiene
Reality: While good hygiene is important, hemorrhoids are primarily caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum, not by poor hygiene.
Myth: Hemorrhoids always require surgery
Reality: Many cases of hemorrhoids can be managed with conservative treatments and lifestyle changes. Surgery is typically reserved for severe or persistent cases.
Myth: Spicy foods cause hemorrhoids
Reality: Spicy foods don’t cause hemorrhoids, but they may irritate existing ones. A diet low in fiber is more likely to contribute to hemorrhoid development.
Myth: Hemorrhoids increase cancer risk
Reality: Hemorrhoids themselves don’t increase cancer risk. However, it’s important to consult a doctor about any rectal bleeding to rule out more serious conditions.
Understanding the facts about hemorrhoids can help in their prevention and management, and can alleviate unnecessary worry or embarrassment associated with this common condition.
Future Developments in Hemorrhoid Prevention and Treatment
As medical research continues to advance, new approaches to preventing and treating hemorrhoids are being explored. What are some promising developments in this field?
- Improved diagnostic tools: Advanced imaging techniques for more accurate diagnosis and classification of hemorrhoids
- Minimally invasive treatments: New procedures that offer effective treatment with less discomfort and faster recovery times
- Targeted medications: Development of drugs that specifically address the underlying causes of hemorrhoids
- Preventive strategies: Research into genetic factors that may predispose individuals to hemorrhoids, potentially leading to personalized prevention plans
- Technological advancements: Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in diagnostic and treatment planning processes
While these developments are exciting, it’s important to remember that the foundation of hemorrhoid prevention and management remains rooted in lifestyle factors. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, and practicing proper lifting techniques will continue to be crucial in preventing and managing hemorrhoids.
As research progresses, we can look forward to more effective and less invasive treatments for those who do develop hemorrhoids, potentially improving quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
Heavy Lifting and Hemorrhoids ǀ Hemorrhoid Surgeon MD
Whether you are lifting a piece of heavy furniture or lifting weights, lifting too much weight can lead to a common condition called hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the anus or lower rectum, and can be made worse by frequent heavy lifting or holding your breath when lifting heavy objects. This can cause a sudden increase of pressure in blood vessels.
The best way to avoid the development of hemorrhoids is by using some basic lifting and breathing techniques that will minimize your risk. Our experienced colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists at the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence can help with hemorrhoid prevention in Los Angeles by calling (888) 742-2032.
How Heavy Lifting Worsens Hemorrhoids
When lifting heavy objects, like weights, many people have a tendency to hold their breath and strain. Grunting as you hold your breath will force the air in your lungs down, increasing the pressure on your internal organs and, ultimately, the veins near your rectum that can swell and protrude as uncomfortable hemorrhoids. This buildup of abdominal pressure is similar to the pressure created when you strain to have a bowel movement, which is one of the most frequent causes of hemorrhoids.
In many cases, exercise is beneficial for patients who suffer from hemorrhoids; however, make sure to utilize techniques that will minimize the risk of your hemorrhoids worsening.
What Type of Exercise Is Beneficial for Hemorrhoids?
Regular exercise is beneficial when you are suffering from hemorrhoids. While weightlifting might be limited when dealing with hemorrhoids, but yoga and walking provide good forms of exercise that can help you prevent and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Try taking a 30-minute walk each morning, and perform exercises throughout the day that contract and release your perineal muscles.
A good exercise to work your perineal muscle is known as Kegal exercises. Contract the perineum for four seconds, and then release. This is considered one set. Do 10 to 15 sets at a time, two to three times a day. Increase the amount of time you hold the muscles by two seconds every two weeks until you reach 10 seconds. Once you are proficient, 10 to 25 sets a day should be enough.
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids When Lifting
Reducing your risk of hemorrhoids during weight lifting is all about how you inhale and exhale. Rather than pushing your breath down under the stress of heavy weights, make an effort to push that air up towards your throat. Before each lift, take a breath and hold it, pushing the air upwards as you lift the weight. If you are lifting weights during a workout, after each rep, exhale your breath completely and start the process over.
By implementing this breathing technique, you will reduce the pressure you place on your abdominal organs as you strain against that heavy barbell or bench press, which can help you avoid hemorrhoids and other conditions such as hernias.
If you have a history of heavy lifting and hemorrhoids, it’s recommended that you speak with one of our hemorrhoid doctors in Beverly Hills before starting strength training or weight lifting, in order to avoid the risk of injury and hemorrhoid recurrence.
Contact the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence Today
By making changes to your heavy lifting routine, you can reduce the chance of causing or worsening your hemorrhoids. If you’re currently suffering from hemorrhoids or want to know more about hemorrhoid prevention in Los Angeles, feel free to schedule an appointment at the La Peer Health Systems’ Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence by calling (888) 742-2032.
Next, read about how age increases your risk for hemorrhoids.
Could Lifting Weights Give You Hemorrhoids?
Okay, no one wants to talk about hemorrhoids. They’re not sexy, but they are common: One in 20 Americans suffer from the discomfort that happens when the veins around your anus or in your lower rectum get swollen and inflamed (think: how varicose veins are swollen veins in your legs). And nearly 3 out of 4 adults will experience hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
While half of people over age 50 have hemorrhoids, younger people can experience them as well. The veins around your anus or in your lower rectum stretch under pressure, and increased amount of straining (for example, during bowel movements or while pregnant) may put you more at risk for developing hemorrhoids. That includes straining during heavy weight lifting: “Heavy weight lifting with poor form could can cause the exerciser to strain and/or bear down, which might cause hemorrhoids or make the symptoms worse,” says Nathan Skelley, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at MU Health Care in Columbia, Missouri.
There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. While you wouldn’t really notice the internal ones, which form in the lower rectum (unless you spot blood on your TP), external hemorrhoids (which are under the skin around the anus) can irritate your skin and may form itchy skin tags. And that can be really disruptive to your life, whether you’re the kind of person who’s constantly pushing yourself in the weight room or you just prefer an easy bathroom experience.
“The typical recreational athlete is at a low risk for developing hemorrhoids from athletic activity,” Dr. Skelley says. “In fact, exercise prevents hemorrhoids in most cases because it helps control weight and colon health.” But if you have a family history, eat a low-fiber diet that leads to straining during bowel movements, and continue to engage in strenuous activities (especially with poor form), you could be setting yourself up for hemorrhoids, Dr. Skelley adds.
If you’re already suffering from some back-door discomfort, there are some simple remedies that can help you feel better. First and foremost: Keep your butt clean to reduce irritation. And when wiping after a BM, stay away from dry toilet paper, which can irritate the anal area. Also helpful is witch hazel, which can provide relief for itching; try Preparation H Medicated Wipes for Women, which are infused with witch hazel, as well as soothing chamomile, aloe, and cucumber. You can also try a sitz bath—unfortunately, it’s not the kind of bath where you soak with a bath bomb. Rather, you buy a small bowl that fits over your toilet and sit in warm water several times a day.
If your hemorrhoids get really bad, talk to your doc: There are a number of procedures that they might consider, ranging from hemorrhoid thrombectomies to drain blood clots that form in external hemorrhoids, minimally invasive procedures that can treat persistently painful hemorrhoids, and surgical procedures for larger hemorrhoids.
If that makes you shudder, then prevention is crucial. Eat high-fiber foods, like fruits, veggies, and whole grains. They soften your stool, so you can go easier. And water is your BFF. Make sure you’re getting enough water—the National Academies of Sciences recommends women get 91 to 125 ounces of water from beverages and food each day. Regular exercise can also help reduce pressure on those veins; maybe just leave the heavy weights on the rack until you work your way up to them. And P.S. Get off your butt! Sitting too long can make you more likely to develop hemorrhoids and exacerbate existing ones.
© Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.
6 common causes of hemorrhoids | MAJOR CLINIC
Contents
- Hemorrhoids and its causes
- The main causes contributing to the development of hemorrhoids
- Locks
- Physical inactivity
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Heavy physical labor
- Poor nutrition
- Heredity
- Manifestations of hemorrhoids
- Treatment of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids occur in 35% of the inhabitants of economically developed regions and are the leaders among proctological diseases [1]. Pathology has been known since antiquity, its description is found in the medical writings of the Greeks, Egyptians, Hindus and other peoples. The name of the disease comes from two Greek words: haema and rheos, meaning “blood” and “flowing”, respectively. The term was first used by Hippocrates, describing bleeding from the anus [2].
Hemorrhoids occur in men and women, predominantly in young people, so the problem is considered socially and economically significant
Hemorrhoids and its causes
The disease occurs due to a complex of anatomical and functional changes, including varicose veins, vascular thrombosis, degeneration of collagen-fibrous fibers, deformity of the anal muscle [3]. Contribute to the development of the disease inflammatory changes in blood vessels and connective tissue of the perianal region [4] impaired defecation, decreased stool [5].
It is believed that dietary factors can provoke hemorrhoids, there is still no direct confirmation of this [6], however, nutrition affects the nature and frequency of stools. The disease progresses with an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, impaired hemodynamics of the small pelvis. At the same time, the veins of the rectum experience exorbitant loads and stretch, hemorrhoids appear.
The main causes contributing to the development of hemorrhoids
Reason No. 1:
Constipation. Arise in connection with poor nutrition, chronic stress, low physical activity. As a result, the peristaltic movements of the intestines slow down, the stool becomes rare. The pressure of the contents of the intestine on its walls increases, the outflow of blood is disturbed, leading to overstretching of the veins of the anus.
Table No. 1. Factors contributing to the occurrence of constipation
Factor | Description |
Food | Predominance of refined products. Excessive consumption of meat, especially fatty varieties, beef. Lack of water in the diet. |
Chronic stress | A state of prolonged dissatisfaction in professional or personal life. |
Lack of physical activity | Sedentary work: driver, driver, office. Lack of physical education and sports. Physical inactivity. |
Reason #2:
Physical inactivity. Modern life requires high speeds and rapid movement from point A to point B. For this, people use transport. Walking several kilometers on foot is considered a waste of time. Few people play sports, regularly run or take daily long walks.
A sedentary lifestyle causes stagnation of blood in the pelvis. The outflow of blood from the veins of the anus is difficult, which leads to their expansion.
Reason #3:
Pregnancy and childbirth. The multiplying uterus compresses nearby organs, including the intestines and veins. Blood circulation becomes difficult, intra-abdominal pressure rises. During labor pains, the load on the organs and squeezing of the vessels reach a peak, ruptures of the perineal tissues may occur. All this leads to a violation of hemodynamics and hemorrhoids.
Reason #4:
Hard physical labor. Lifting weights is always accompanied by overload on the muscles of the abdominal wall, resulting in increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, increased blood flow. If high physical activity is regular, hemorrhoids will develop with a high degree of probability. At risk are loaders, couriers, delivery and warehouse workers.
Reason No. 5:
Poor nutrition – snacks on the run, fast food, fatty high-calorie foods, foods rich in simple carbohydrates. Low consumption of fiber and dietary fiber disrupt digestion, slow down the evacuation of the food bolus. Plus, many people are prone to overeating, gaining excess weight.
Reason No. 6:
Heredity. A tendency to hemorrhoids is genetically transmitted due to the peculiarities of the structure of the vascular walls, intestines and digestion. If relatives had hemorrhoids, then you need to take your health seriously: try to eliminate or minimize the factors that lead to the disease.
Manifestations of hemorrhoids
The following signs indicate hemorrhoids:
- pain, discomfort in the anal region,
- painful bowel movements;
- fresh blood on stool;
- feeling of a foreign body in the rectum;
- Perineal itch.
Table No. 2. Types and stages of hemorrhoids [7]
Classification | View | Features |
Downstream | Spicy | Sharp pain during defecation, persisting for some time afterwards. Blood on the surface of the stool. Painful induration near the anus. |
Chronic | The pain is of low intensity. Blood is found on used toilet paper, or in drops, a trickle. Periodic prolapse of hemorrhoids. | |
According to the location of hemorrhoids | Outdoor | Hemorrhoids are visible externally. |
Internal | The nodes are “hidden” in the rectum, they are not externally determined. | |
By stage | C1 | Periodic pain during defecation. |
C2 | Pain is severe, blood on the surface of the stool. Knots can periodically fall out, set on their own. | |
C3 | The pain is prolonged, intense. Itching and burning in the anal region. Knots fall out often, require repositioning. | |
C4 | It is not possible to straighten the nodes that have fallen out on their own. Medical assistance required. |
Exacerbation of hemorrhoids occurs after significant physical effort, spicy fatty foods, alcohol intake.
Treatment of hemorrhoids
Carried out by a coloproctologist. You should not self-medicate: folk methods and medicines bought on the advice of friends can relieve pain for a while, but they will not solve the problem. The doctor will assess the situation, determine the causes and conduct effective treatment of hemorrhoids. At the initial stages, local remedies are prescribed: rectal suppositories, ointments, herbal infusions. If symptoms are severe, medication may be needed. In advanced cases, in the presence of nodes, it is necessary to resort to surgical treatment.
We invite you to get rid of hemorrhoids in the Major Clinic, conveniently located in the center of Moscow. Highly qualified coloproctologists who know all the methods of diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids, including surgical ones, will help to solve a delicate problem. The clinic has a full-fledged hospital with two modern operating rooms equipped with modern equipment. If necessary, the operation is performed quickly, without pain and discomfort.
References
- Johanson J. F., Sonnenberg A. The prevalence of hemorrhoids and chronic constipation. An epidemiological study // Gastroenterology. 1990; 98:380–386.
- Leff E. Hemorrhoids // Postgrad Med. 1987; 82:95–101.
- Hemorrhoids: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and approaches to therapy, Attending physician 6/14. Authors M. A. Livzan, V. L. Poluektov, E. A. Lyalyukova.
- Han W., Wang Z. J., Zhao B., Yang X. Q., Wang D., Wang J. P., Tang X. Y., Zhao F., Hung Y. T. Pathologic change of elastic fibers with difference of microvessel density and expression of angiogenesis-related proteins in internal hemorrhoid tissues // Zhonghua Weichang Waike Zazhi. 2005; 8:56–59.
- Johanson J. F., Sonnenberg A. The prevalence of hemorrhoids and chronic constipation. An epidemiological study // Gastroenterology. 1990; 98:380–386.
- Pigot F., Siproudhis L., Allaert F. A. Risk factors associated with hemorrhoidal symptoms in specialized consultation // Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2005; 29:1270–1274.
- Clinical guidelines. Coloproctology. – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2015 – 528 p.
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6 common causes of hemorrhoids | MAJOR CLINIC
Contents
- Hemorrhoids and its causes
- The main causes contributing to the development of hemorrhoids
- Locks
- Physical inactivity
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Heavy physical labor
- Poor nutrition
- Heredity
- Manifestations of hemorrhoids
- Treatment of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids occur in 35% of the inhabitants of economically developed regions and is the leader among proctological diseases [1]. Pathology has been known since antiquity, its description is found in the medical writings of the Greeks, Egyptians, Hindus and other peoples. The name of the disease comes from two Greek words: haema and rheos, meaning “blood” and “flowing”, respectively. The term was first used by Hippocrates, describing bleeding from the anus [2].
Hemorrhoids occur in men and women, predominantly in young people, so the problem is considered socially and economically significant
Hemorrhoids and its causes
The disease occurs due to a complex of anatomical and functional changes, including varicose veins, vascular thrombosis, degeneration of collagen-fibrous fibers, deformity of the anal muscle [3]. Contribute to the development of the disease inflammatory changes in blood vessels and connective tissue of the perianal region [4] impaired defecation, decreased stool [5].
It is believed that dietary factors can provoke hemorrhoids, there is still no direct confirmation of this [6], however, nutrition affects the nature and frequency of stools. The disease progresses with an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, impaired hemodynamics of the small pelvis. At the same time, the veins of the rectum experience exorbitant loads and stretch, hemorrhoids appear.
The main causes contributing to the development of hemorrhoids
Reason No. 1:
Constipation. Arise in connection with poor nutrition, chronic stress, low physical activity. As a result, the peristaltic movements of the intestines slow down, the stool becomes rare. The pressure of the contents of the intestine on its walls increases, the outflow of blood is disturbed, leading to overstretching of the veins of the anus.
Table No. 1. Factors contributing to the occurrence of constipation
Factor | Description |
Food | Predominance of refined products. Excessive consumption of meat, especially fatty varieties, beef. Lack of water in the diet. |
Chronic stress | A state of prolonged dissatisfaction in professional or personal life. |
Lack of physical activity | Sedentary work: driver, driver, office. Lack of physical education and sports. Physical inactivity. |
Reason #2:
Physical inactivity. Modern life requires high speeds and rapid movement from point A to point B. For this, people use transport. Walking several kilometers on foot is considered a waste of time. Few people play sports, regularly run or take daily long walks.
A sedentary lifestyle causes stagnation of blood in the pelvis. The outflow of blood from the veins of the anus is difficult, which leads to their expansion.
Reason #3:
Pregnancy and childbirth. The multiplying uterus compresses nearby organs, including the intestines and veins. Blood circulation becomes difficult, intra-abdominal pressure rises. During labor pains, the load on the organs and squeezing of the vessels reach a peak, ruptures of the perineal tissues may occur. All this leads to a violation of hemodynamics and hemorrhoids.
Reason #4:
Hard physical labor. Lifting weights is always accompanied by overload on the muscles of the abdominal wall, resulting in increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, increased blood flow. If high physical activity is regular, hemorrhoids will develop with a high degree of probability. At risk are loaders, couriers, delivery and warehouse workers.
Reason No. 5:
Poor nutrition – snacks on the run, fast food, fatty high-calorie foods, foods rich in simple carbohydrates. Low consumption of fiber and dietary fiber disrupt digestion, slow down the evacuation of the food bolus. Plus, many people are prone to overeating, gaining excess weight.
Reason No. 6:
Heredity. A tendency to hemorrhoids is genetically transmitted due to the peculiarities of the structure of the vascular walls, intestines and digestion. If relatives had hemorrhoids, then you need to take your health seriously: try to eliminate or minimize the factors that lead to the disease.
Manifestations of hemorrhoids
The following signs indicate hemorrhoids:
- pain, discomfort in the anal region,
- painful bowel movements;
- fresh blood on stool;
- feeling of a foreign body in the rectum;
- Perineal itch.
Table No. 2. Types and stages of hemorrhoids [7]
Classification | View | Features |
Downstream | Spicy | Sharp pain during defecation, persisting for some time afterwards. Blood on the surface of the stool. Painful induration near the anus. |
Chronic | The pain is of low intensity. Blood is found on used toilet paper, or in drops, a trickle. Periodic prolapse of hemorrhoids. | |
According to the location of hemorrhoids | Outdoor | Hemorrhoids are visible externally. |
Internal | The nodes are “hidden” in the rectum, they are not externally determined. | |
By stage | C1 | Periodic pain during defecation. |
C2 | Pain is severe, blood on the surface of the stool. Knots can periodically fall out, set on their own. | |
C3 | The pain is prolonged, intense. Itching and burning in the anal region. Knots fall out often, require repositioning. | |
C4 | It is not possible to straighten the nodes that have fallen out on their own. Medical assistance required. |
Exacerbation of hemorrhoids occurs after significant physical effort, spicy fatty foods, alcohol intake.
Treatment of hemorrhoids
Carried out by a coloproctologist. You should not self-medicate: folk methods and medicines bought on the advice of friends can relieve pain for a while, but they will not solve the problem. The doctor will assess the situation, determine the causes and conduct effective treatment of hemorrhoids. At the initial stages, local remedies are prescribed: rectal suppositories, ointments, herbal infusions. If symptoms are severe, medication may be needed. In advanced cases, in the presence of nodes, it is necessary to resort to surgical treatment.
We invite you to get rid of hemorrhoids in the Major Clinic, conveniently located in the center of Moscow. Highly qualified coloproctologists who know all the methods of diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids, including surgical ones, will help to solve a delicate problem. The clinic has a full-fledged hospital with two modern operating rooms equipped with modern equipment. If necessary, the operation is performed quickly, without pain and discomfort.
References
- Johanson J. F., Sonnenberg A. The prevalence of hemorrhoids and chronic constipation. An epidemiological study // Gastroenterology. 1990; 98:380–386.
- Leff E. Hemorrhoids // Postgrad Med. 1987; 82:95–101.
- Hemorrhoids: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and approaches to therapy, Attending physician 6/14. Authors M. A. Livzan, V. L. Poluektov, E. A. Lyalyukova.
- Han W., Wang Z. J., Zhao B., Yang X. Q., Wang D., Wang J. P., Tang X. Y., Zhao F., Hung Y. T. Pathologic change of elastic fibers with difference of microvessel density and expression of angiogenesis-related proteins in internal hemorrhoid tissues // Zhonghua Weichang Waike Zazhi.