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Piles Information
What are the causes of piles?
It is said that piles are a natural consequence of adoption of erect posture by mankind.
Factors such as family history, temperament, climate, age, sex, pregnancy, and suppression of hemorrhage in other areas have also been held responsible.
Increased straining during bowel movements, by constipation or diarrhea, may lead to hemorrhoids. It is thus a common condition due to constipation caused by water retention in women experiencing premenstrual syndrome or menstruation.
Hypertension, particularly portal hypertension, can also cause hemorrhoids because of the connections between the portal vein and the vena cava which occur in the rectal wall -- known as portocaval anastomoses.
Obesity can be a factor by increasing rectal vein pressure. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause hemorrhoids. Poor muscle tone or poor posture can result in too much pressure on the rectal veins.
Pregnancy causes hypertension and increases strain during bowel movements, so hemorrhoids are often associated with pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids (piles) and varicose veins common in countries where the diet has more processed food and is low in fibre. This leads to pressure in the abdomen that causes blood vessels to swell and become engorged.
Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine can cause hemorrhoids. Both can cause diarrhea. Note that caffeine ingestion increases blood pressure transiently, but is not thought to cause chronic hypertension. Alcohol can also cause alcoholic liver disease leading to portal hypertension.
Other factors include irritation of the anal canal, lack of normal tone in anal sphincters, cancer of the rectum, and the continuous use of pessaries and suppositories.