The term "hemorrhoid" is usually related to the symptoms caused by hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are present in healthy individuals. In fact, hemorrhoidal columns exist in utero. Risk factors and causes of symptomatic hemorrhoids include:
Spinal cord injury
Decreased venous return
Straining and constipation
Chronic diarrhea
Pregnancy
Lack of erect posture
Familial tendency
Higher socioeconomic status
Chronic diarrhea
Colon cancer
Hepatic disease
Obesity
Elevated anal resting pressure
Loss of rectal muscle tone
Rectal surgery
Episiotomy
Anal intercourse
Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease
Alcohol consumption and the use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have not been established as risk factors for hemorrhoids. Although some studies have found that obesity — which may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes — is a risk factor for hemorrhoid development, type 2 diabetes on its own has not been clearly established as a risk factor for hemorrhoids.
Learn more about the etiology and pathophysiology of hemorrhoids.
Medscape © 2022 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: B.S. Anand. Fast Five Quiz: Hemorrhoids Practice Essentials - Medscape - Apr 18, 2022.
Comments