Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are enlarged veins in the anus or rectum. They can cause pain, itching, and sometimes bleeding, especially during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. External hemorrhoids are located beneath the skin around the anus and can often be felt as lumps. Internal hemorrhoids are inside the rectum and are usually not noticeable until they prolapse or protrude through the anus.

While hemorrhoids can cause pain and discomfort, they usually aren’t dangerous or lead to serious health problems. However, certain habits, like sitting for long periods, straining during bowel movements, or eating a low-fiber diet, can increase the chance of getting hemorrhoids. Eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and staying active can help lower the risk and keep hemorrhoids from getting worse.

How Do Hemorrhoids Form?

A variety of factors can cause hemorrhoids, however usually result from high pressure on the veins that surround the rectum or anus. The stress may arise from straining due to constipation or diarrhoea. A frequent intake of laxatives or bowel movements can also cause it since they can interfere with the normal function of the colon.

What Common Habit Can Lead To Hemorrhoids?

A surprising reality for many patients is that extended periods spent waiting on the toilet can also cause haemorrhoids. Because of the way the toilet seat is made, the rectum and anus get extra pressure. Seated for an extended period, this may cause the veins to enlarge. Then, if you force a bowel movement, you run the risk of developing haemorrhoids.

Habits That Cause Hemorroids

  • Eating a Diet Low in Fibre

Fibre is a specific vitamin that is essential for a healthy digestive system. Though many people's usual diets don't provide enough fibre, they can be found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Insufficient dietary fibre may cause your stool to become more difficult to pass.

Red meat, dairy products, and baked goods prepared with white flour are examples of foods high in low fibre that increase your risk of constipation. Constipation may make your bowel motions difficult, which may cause haemorrhoids or make pre-existing ones worse.

  • Too Much Strenuous Exercise

Cardiovascular activity and strength training are both good for your overall health. While some types of physical activity may make haemorrhoids worse, consistent exercise increases blood flow and reduces the risk of haemorrhoids.

Exercises that put an excessive amount of strain on the veins in your rectum include weightlifting. Lifting heavy objects outside of the gym has the potential to exacerbate haemorrhoids. If you regularly lift large objects at work or the gym, use proper lifting techniques to reduce the strain on your back and glutes.

  •   Spending Too Much Time On The Toilet

The muscles in your pelvic region automatically relax when you sit on the toilet to help you pass faeces. By promoting blood flow to the area, this relaxation widens veins and raises your risk of haemorrhoids.

Refrain from spending more time than necessary sitting on the toilet. Keep your time to a maximum of five minutes, and to avoid getting distracted, think about putting your phone and other reading materials in a different room.

How Can I Tell If I Have Hemorrhoids?

If you suspect you may have a haemorrhoid, you are probably right. Haemorrhoids are difficult to ignore. Typical indications and symptoms include the following:

  • Anal pain, particularly when sitting or bending over. Cleaning or rubbing the region could exacerbate the pain.
  •  Itching in the vicinity of the anus.
  • A sensation of skin bulging when having a bowel movement.
  • Bleeding during bowel movements, which might show up as blood on toilet paper after wiping, in the toilet bowl, or in your stool.
  • Tender nodules surrounding the anal region.

What's The Best Way To Treat Hemorrhoids?

It is possible to treat haemorrhoids at home in less than a week. In cases where a patient comes with a mild haemorrhage, Physicians usually suggest the following:

·         Keep bathroom trips short: Try your best to keep your time on the toilet to no more than one or two minutes at a time, and try to avoid straining.

·         Eat more fiber and drink more water: Aim for 25 to 30 grammes of fibre per day, which can be obtained from supplements like Metamucil or Benefiter or from foods high in fibre, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans. This lessens the need for straining by making faeces easier to pass.

·          Apply an ice pack to the hemorrhoid area: Ice for a maximum of five to ten minutes at a time. Towel off the area where the ice pack meets your skin.

·         Take sitz baths several times a day: Take ten to twenty minutes to sit in a shallow bath of warm water—a sitz bath. To lessen irritation, you can add baking soda or Epsom salt to the water; do not add soap or bubble bath.

·         Clean up after a bowel movement: Apply some water to the region using a peri bottle (available at pharmacies). Apply the warm water from the bottle to the swollen area.

·         Regular physical exercise: Exercise lessens constipation and encourages gastrointestinal movement.