subject: Hemorrhoids - Signs, Symptoms and Trigger Causes [print this page] If you currently have, or have ever had, hemorrhoids, then you know all too well about the pain and interruption they cause in daily life. Believe it or not, but researchers do not have the complete picture about hemorrhoids, although they do think certain conditions can contribute such as the quality of your diet, age, and possibly amount of physical activity you get. While hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable, at times very painful problem, they can be managed and prevented with the right approach, which varies from one person to another. What we'd like to do is give you additional information so you will know what you're dealing with as well as what your best options are.
As people spend more time sitting, hemorrhoids are becoming more common. Because sitting puts constant pressure on the lower extremities, this can cause or irritate hemorrhoids. So it makes sense that you can alleviate the problem by moving around more and sitting less. It can be rather difficult to do this, though, if your job requires you to sit at a desk for long periods of time. But if you can walk around even for a couple minutes, it can help. If it's possible to get an ergonomic chair, that will provide some relief as well. If you have to sit for most of the day, regular exercise can also help. Another common cause of hemorrhoids is being overweight so exercising will help in that regard as well. Dehydration is something that can either cause or irritate hemorrhoids. You may not be getting enough fluids to hydrate your body if you are quenching your thirst with soda, alcohol, or energy drinks. When your body is dehydrated, your stools can become dry, which can contribute to both constipation and hemorrhoids. For this reason it's important to ensure you are getting enough water to make the difference in whether or not you get hemorrhoids.
Some hemorrhoid sufferers may need to seek medical attention due to certain circumstances. If, for example, you are taking medication for any other condition, especially anti-coagulation medication, you should see your doctor before taking any over the counter remedies for hemorrhoids. Similarly, if you are experiencing bleeding on a regular basis, this should be checked by a physician. In some cases, people attribute symptoms to hemorrhoids incorrectly. Abdominal pain, for example, should be checked out as soon as possible as it is not a symptom of hemorrhoids. A poor diet, lacking in fiber, or being overweight can lead to people developing hemorrhoids. Being dehydrated and not exercising regularly can also lead to hemorrhoids. All of these also contribute to constipation, which is often associated with hemorrhoids. Certain lifestyle changes can be beneficial to avoiding future problems with hemorrhoids. This includes drinking more water, eating more fiber, reducing weight if you are overweight and exercising more. These lifestyle changes will help you gain control over the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
The symptoms of hemorrhoids can be mild or severe. Be aware of foods that irritate your hemorrhoids and avoid them until the condition gets better. In general, hemorrhoids are mainly an annoyance, but if your symptoms don't get better on their own, you should see your doctor. Each case looks a little different, but these are the most common symptoms.
