A hemorrhoid is a common disease that numerous Minnesotans suffer from. Many patients know treatment options such as infrared coagulation (IRC), banding, and surgeries, however far fewer people understand the causes of hemorrhoids and the risk factors contributing to it.

The normal hemorrhoids structure is clusters of vascular tissue, smooth muscle, and connective tissue lined by the normal epithelium of the anal canal. Most symptoms arise from enlarged internal hemorrhoids. The engorged anal hemorrhoidal mucosa is easily traumatized, leading to rectal bleeding. The prolapse of hemorrhoid tissue leads to soiling, mucus discharge, and trigger pruritus.

Many people in Minnesota don’t realize that they’re exposing themselves to the causes of hemorrhoids every day. Those activities actually become the risk factors of hemorrhoids. Whether you are currently suffering from hemorrhoids or are looking to avoid them, knowing the hemorrhoid risk factors related to your everyday activities is important. Therefore, you can work to prevent them from developing, worsening, and recurring.

Some of the most common hemorrhoid risk factors related to your everyday activities are:

• Compromised Bowel Movements
You should have good bowel habits and maintain smooth stool. Constipation with hard stool and straining can increase abdominal pressure rapidly, as well as expansion of venous plexus, often causing rupture of hemorrhoidal vessels and even anal skin tearing. If you develop chronic constipation, you should treat it aggressively by having a high fiber diet, increasing water intake, walking daily, and taking bulking agents and laxatives. However, frequent diarrhea does not help, either. Straining related to diarrhea also can rapidly increase the pressure in the abdomen and hemorrhoid vessel complex, too. The toilet time should not be too long, and you should avoid the bad habit of reading newspapers or surfing the Internet on the toilet.

• Sitting and Standing
Most people’s jobs in Minnesota involve either extended hours sitting or standing. But doing either for too long can result in increased pressure in the lower rectum, leading to develop hemorrhoids. Individuals who are prone to developing hemorrhoids should avoid sitting and standing for extended periods of time.

• Heavy lifting
Heavy lifting can put pressure on the abdomen and lower rectum rapidly, increasing venous engorgement of the internal hemorrhoids which causes them to swell and enlarge, and also causes the rupture of hemorrhoidal vessels and even thrombosed external hemorrhoids, a common complication of hemorrhoids.

• Weight and Pregnancy
Being overweight can also put pressure on the abdomen and lower rectum due to carrying too much weight for what body organs can normally withstand. The same goes for pregnancy, as the uterus increases venous pressure.
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• Genetics
Unfortunately, hemorrhoids do run in some families. Although hemorrhoids are a very common disease, it is not a disease that everyone develops. Those who inherit certain genes are more likely to suffer from the condition.

Solution to Your Hemorrhoids
You may find that you are exposed to several of these common risk factors after reading this blog, but by knowing what these risk factors are, you can work to minimize their impact on your body.

Studies suggest that an estimated more than 50% of Americans will develop a hemorrhoid condition by the age of 50- yet, only a small percentage of people seek treatment until it is impossible to ignore. While not a replacement for professional treatment, conservative treatments are available that can manage the symptoms and prevent recurrence.

For grade I internal and nonthrombosed external hemorrhoids, warm baths, a high-fiber diet, high fluid intake, stool softeners, topical analgesics, topical steroids, and proper hygiene can improve hemorrhoids. Warm baths increases blood flow and relaxes the sphincter, easing perianal pain caused by a hemorrhoid. Ice can be used in cases of acute thrombosis. The key to conservative management of hemorrhoids is reducing constipation and hard stool. This, in turn, reduces pressure in the lower rectum. Increasing dietary fiber increases fluid retained in the stool, which, combined with increased water intake, can greatly relieve pressure on hemorrhoids. Good sources of fiber include beans, fruit, veggies, and whole grains. Fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk powder, are effective and can make fiber intake more convenient. Another important consideration is time spent on the toilet- with so many ways to distractions available it is easy to linger in the bathroom, but one should only stay on the toilet long enough to evacuate the bowels.

Topical agents are available, but only a few are marginally effective. Topical hydrocortisone can relieve the rectal irritation and itching and decrease internal hemorrhoidal bleeding. However, it should not be used longer than two weeks due to mucosal atrophy.

Hemorrhoids can be a hassle, but luckily there are ways to manage it independently. Conservative treatment aims to reduce constipation and stool hardness, by adjusting diet or through supplements, reduce strain by changing toilet habits, and medicate in some circumstances with topical medication. However, if bleeding is persistent or if pain is present or if the irritation with itching affects your quality of life, it is best to see a medical professional.