If you are suffering from hemorrhoids in Plano, TX, you know how uncomfortable they can be. They can bleed, burn, and itch and generally make you reluctant to defecate. While they are not terribly dangerous, they may require a visit to a gastroenterologist if the symptoms are making your life difficult. Dr. Sindhu Abraham is board-certified and can help you to learn to manage your hemorrhoids. Part of managing is knowing what causes them.

Hemorrhoids

You may know that hemorrhoids are uncomfortable, but not know exactly what they are. Hemorrhoids, sometimes referred to as piles are veins in the lower rectum or anus that have become inflamed or swollen. They may either be internal or external.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

Pressure on the veins in and around the anus or rectum is what causes hemorrhoids in Plano, TX. Causes of pressure include:

Straining to pass feces is one of the major causes of hemorrhoids. When the digestion process is too slow the feces become lumpy, hard, and difficult to pass. This can be the result of not having enough fiber in your diet or not enough water. This condition called constipation can make you feel uncomfortable and like you are not clearing out your bowels. Severe constipation is something to talk to your doctor about. 

Sitting on the toilet for the time it takes to pass feces when you are constipated also leads to hemorrhoids. This puts additional pressure on the anus and rectum. It can help to change your position by putting a footstool under your feet and leaning forward to put your elbows on your legs.

A low-fiber diet can be the cause of the previous two causes, it is a vicious circle that needs to be addressed to help to find a way to end the condition. 

Aging is another cause. Over time, the supporting tissues that help the anus and rectum to work can get weaker and this can lead to painful hemorrhoids. 

Lifting heavy objects can lead to hemorrhoids. When heavy items are lifted, the lifter may hold their breath and grunt. This action forces air down into the lungs and puts pressure on the internal organs and the veins in the anus and rectum. 

Chronic diarrhea can cause hemorrhoids. When you have diarrhea you may spend a lot of time on the toilet which is a known cause and the feces themselves can irritate the delicate tissue of the rectum and anus and cause a flare-up. 

You can try home remedies for hemorrhoids first but if you don't get relief, contact Dr. Abraham for help with Hemorrhoids in Plano, TX. Give our office a call to make an appointment today. If you have questions, give us a call at (972) 867-0019. If you want to schedule a new appointment, call us at (972) 265-3396 or request an appointment through our website.