My Fitness Edge

Haemorrhoids can cause distress in anyone but tends to be more common in women during pregnancy or following childbirth and in people who have a history of constipation. Haemorrhoids can cause itching around the anus, swelling of the anal region, pain, and bleeding from the anus. Haemorrhoids can be painful when they protrude out of the anus and they can be likened to varicose veins.

Bleeding

The main symptoms of haemorrhoids are bleeding while passing stools and prolapse of the veins in the rectum. Bleeding is the usual symptom, and if it is recurrent and neglected, a secondary iron deficiency – anaemia – may result.

Usually, the bleeding that occurs is limited to only small amounts of blood on the toilet tissue but can also be seen when stools are actually passed. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer. Again, lots of bleeding needs to be treated as an emergency. There can be other more serious causes of bleeding and swelling which your doctor can only {diagnose} determine once the area has been examined.

Haemorrhoids and Pregnancy

Pregnancy can make women more prone to haemorrhoids, varicose veins and even bleeding gums.This is because when you are pregnant, the amount of blood circulating through your body increases. For most women, however, haemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem. Pregnancy can also cause haemorrhoids to form as the pressure of the growing foetus on the lower abdomen, along with hormonal changes, can cause the anal blood vessels to grow and also cause retention of sodium by the kidneys.  This then in turn causes the body to retain fluid.

Constipation

A condition usually associated with pregnancy is  Constipation which can be known to increase problems associated with haemorrhoids.  It is common during and after pregnancy, when progesterone relaxes the muscles in the digestive system , which means fewer contractions to push food along. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse. When pregnant, constipation should be avoided as constipation can lead to the appearance of haemorrhoids. Constipation rarely causes any complications, or long term health problems however it can lead to intestinal toxemia, which is a form of blood poisoning caused by the absorption of bacteria and their toxins through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. Constipation can result in haemorrhoids from straining, which can weaken the blood vessels and lead on to haemorrhoids.

Conclusion

Haemorrhoids can be regarded a lifestyle disease reflective of the typical low-fibre Western diet, and its general tendency to cause constipation. Haemorrhoids can be avoided or the symptoms treated by drinking plenty of fluids and eating a high fibre diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Haemorrhoids can also occur as a result of straining to pass bowel movements and lifting heavy weights. Haemorrhoids can be inside the recum and out of sight, or external around the anus and anal sphyncter.