Piles or hemorrhoids are a routine health problem that almost everyone suffers from. They can occur due to a multitude of reasons, mostly linked with lifestyle, habits, and medical conditions. If you’ve been curious about the cause of piles and whether one is at risk, you’re at the right destination. Here, we will discuss more clearly who are most at risk of getting piles, including office workers, expectant mothers, and men. Knowing these risks and why piles occur can inform you on how to prevent piles or get early treatment.
What Are Piles?
Piles are inflamed veins in the rectum or anus that may give rise to signs such as pain, itching, discomfort, and bleeding. Piles may either be internal, i.e., they develop within the rectum, or external, where they form around the anus. Although they are commonly treatable and controllable, knowing the reason for piles is important for avoidance and proper management.
Reason for Getting Piles?
Several factors can increase your chances of getting piles. The reason for piles can vary depending on lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and other health factors. Common risk factors include:
- Trouble going to the bathroom regularly
- Pushing too hard during bowel movements
- Lifting heavy weights
- Sitting or standing for too long
- During pregnancy time for women
Understanding these everyday habits and situations can help you take early steps to prevent or manage piles before they become a bigger problem.
Key Contributing Factors for Office Workers:
- Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for extended periods without any movement puts a strain on the lower part of the body, which in turn leads to the formation of hemorrhoids, a prevalent cause of piles.
- Poor Posture: Sitting in the wrong posture will put extra pressure on the anal area, thus causing the piles to develop.
- Inactivity: Physical inactivity slows down digestion and can lead to constipation, which will force you to push hard during bowel movements, which is a prevalent cause of piles.
- Dietary Habits: Employees tend to overlook proper nutrition, resulting in a low-fiber diet that leads to constipation, which further adds to the cause of piles.
Prevention Tips for Office Workers:
- Take regular breaks to stand and walk around.
- Maintain a good posture while sitting.
- Include more fiber in your diet to prevent constipation.
- Stay hydrated to keep stools soft.
Reason for Piles in Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a common cause of hemorrhoids, and piles are common during pregnancy or after delivery in many women. The reason for piles in pregnancy is mostly because of hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and the increasing pressure of the uterus on the pelvic veins.
Key Contributing Factors for Pregnant Women:
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones, especially progesterone, can cause the veins to relax and become more susceptible to swelling. This is one of the leading causes of piles in pregnant women.
- Increased Pressure: As the uterus expands, it may exert extra pressure on the veins in the rectal region, causing piles to form.
- Straining During Delivery: Labor can exert extreme pressure on the pelvic region, causing hemorrhoids.
- Constipation: Pregnancy slows down the digestive system, which may cause constipation and straining at the bowel, a frequent cause of piles during pregnancy.
Prevention Tips for Pregnant Women:
- To prevent constipation, drink lots of water and consume a high-fiber diet.
- With the guidance of a healthcare professional, practice gentle constipation relief methods such as fiber supplements or stool softeners.
- Avoid long standing or sitting, and try to get up often.
Reason for Piles in Men
While anyone can develop piles, certain factors make men more likely to get hemorrhoids. Lifestyle choices and certain health conditions can contribute to the development of piles in men. Understanding the reason for piles in men is important for prevention and management.
Key Contributing Factors for Men:
- Straining When Bowelling: Men, especially older men, are more likely to develop constipation and strain when they are bowelling. This is a primary cause of piles.
- Obesity: Being overweight adds extra pressure to the rectum and can lead to hemorrhoids, which is a common reason for piles in men.
- Heavy Lifting: Men who lift heavyweights or perform heavy labor might be at higher risk for developing piles from the added pressure on the abdomen, which is one of the major causes of piles.
- Prostate Issues: Men who have prostate problems can become more susceptible to developing hemorrhoids from straining or pressure caused by the prostate.
Prevention Tips for Men:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the rectum.
- Avoid heavy lifting if possible, or use proper lifting techniques.
- Eat a balanced diet to ensure healthy digestion.
- Stay active and avoid sitting for long periods.
Conclusion
Piles can develop for a variety of reasons, and understanding the reason for piles in specific groups, such as office workers, pregnant women, and men, can help you identify risk factors and take proactive measures. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, eating a fiber-rich diet, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing can significantly reduce your chances of developing piles.
If you’re already experiencing symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment early to prevent further complications.
“Concerned about piles? Contact us today for a consultation to discuss prevention, symptoms, and treatments that work best for you.”
FAQs
1. What is the primary cause of piles?
The primary causes of piles are constipation, straining during bowel movements, and increased pressure on the rectal veins from sitting or standing for long periods.
2. Why do pregnant women get piles?
Pregnant women get piles due to hormonal changes, increased pressure on pelvic veins, and constipation caused by changes in the digestive system.
3. Can office workers get piles?
Yes, office workers are at higher risk of piles due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and inactivity, which increase pressure on the rectal veins.
4. How do men avoid piles?
Men can avoid piles by being of a healthy weight, not lifting heavy loads, and eating a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation, all of which are the most common causes of piles.
5. Does heavy lifting lead to piles?
Yes, lifting heavy loads puts pressure on the abdominal and rectal region, leading to piles.
6. What are the typical symptoms of piles?
Some of the common symptoms of piles are itching, discomfort, pain, and bleeding on bowel movements.
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