Who is at an Increased Risk for Hemorrhoids and How to Combat That Risk

Hemorrhoids are almost a dirty word to most. There are many individuals who just don’t feel comfortable discussing their discomfort with the condition, while still others who will suffer in silence rather than admit to having them at all. The number of American’s in Los Angeles who have hemorrhoids at one time or another in their life is great. For such a prevalent condition, it is amazing that it is so under-discussed among the general population, and something that continues to come with stigma that it is something that is hidden by most. Out of embarrassment, many individuals chose to deal with the pain associated with hemorrhoids instead of finding ways to prevent or cure them.

What is a Hemorrhoid and What Causes Them?

Hemorrhoids are normal vascular cushions of tissue that can occur either inside the anal canal or at the anal opening.  They serve a natural anatomic function in helping with continence.  Symptomatic hemorrhoids occur when there is increased pressure around the anal canal that causes the tissue to become swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids can be found both internally and externally. They are made worse when there is straining to have a bowel movement, or when there is an increase in abdominal pressure. It is the pushing on the cushion of the connective tissue located around the opening of the anus which is the source for hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are not visible, while external ones can actually be viewed. External hemorrhoids can be considerably painful and made worse by activities such as sitting.

The cause of hemorrhoids is increased pressure in or around the connective tissue at the anal canal opening. When there is straining the tissue is sometimes pushed outward which causes swelling that become inflamed and painful. It is possible for both internal and external hemorrhoids to burst. When they do, they cause pain and bleeding. The bleeding is normally bright red and can be felt when they are at the exterior of the anal opening.

Who is at an Increased Risk for Hemorrhoids and How can you Prevent for Them?

People who are at an increase for hemorrhoids are those who are older. As people age the cushion of the connective tissue around the anus starts to break down leading to inflammation and swelling. Older people experience hemorrhoids with much more frequency than younger individuals. Those who are more prone to constipation are also at an increased risk for hemorrhoids. When you are constipated, there is a greater likelihood that stool will be hard leading to straining which increases abdominal pressure. Those with poor dietary habits, are overweight, or have underlying medical conditions which makes them more prone to constipation, will have an increased incidence of them.

Other conditions such as pregnancy will increase the incidence of hemorrhoids. Hormonal changes cause constipation, and the increased weight of a growing baby increases abdominal pressure only exasperates it. There are also some underlying medical conditions which require that people take medications. Pain medications are a good cause of constipation and therefore those who take them can be at an increase for developing hemorrhoids. Also, those who do not get the proper amount of physical activity or sit for periods of time are more likely to get both internal and external hemorrhoids.

There are things that those who are at an increased risk for hemorrhoids can do in Los Angeles. Making simple changes to dietary habits is a good way to control for constipation and decrease the risk of hemorrhoids developing. Although there are conditions that will predispose an individual to be at risk, maintaining healthy bowel habits and good dehydration are often times enough to counteract increased risk. There are times when simple changes will not be enough to cure hemorrhoids. In severe cases, when hemorrhoids are chronic, it may be necessary to explore surgical options for amelioration of hemorrhoids.

Those experiencing the pain of hemorrhoids in Los Angeles should not hesitate to consult a physician in Los Angeles. There are many innovative procedures which are done on an outpatient basis which effectively target hemorrhoids and decrease the incidence of them. When experiencing rectal bleeding, it is always appropriate to have an evaluation done to rule out for more serious conditions. Many treatment options are available for those in Los Angeles who are looking for a better quality of life, and a way to cure their hemorrhoidal condition.