Humans are prone to hemorrhoids because erect posture puts a lot of pressure on the veins in the anal region.  Heredity has also been considered a factor, since hemorrhoids tend to run in families.  Chronic constipation is considered a major cause of hemorrhoids.  This is because constipated individuals tend to consistently strain to evacuate their bowels, increasing pressure in the rectum.  Disturbance from frequent bowel movements associated with diarrhea can also be a cause.  Additionally, frequent use of laxative may result in diarrhea, and increase your likelihood of getting hemorrhoids.  Increased abdominal pressure can often encourage hemorrhoids.  People who exert themselves strenuously at work or who stand for long periods of time are most often afflicted.  Pregnancy is a common cause of hemorrhoids among young women.  They are most common in the final trimester because there is increased pressure from the enlarged uterus.  Constipation, also common during pregnancy, adds to the problem.  Other factors that encourage hemorrhoids include lack of physical activity and a low daily intake of fluids.

Hemorrhoids have been shown to be quite common in individuals consuming a low-fiber diet and, conversely, less common in individuals consuming a high-fiber diet.  Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet will help you achieve a soft stool that is easy to pass.  Whole-grain cereals and bran are the richest sources of fiber, but fiber is also available in many other foods.  Fruits, vegetables and nuts are good examples.  Foods to be avoided include highly refined cereals such as white rice and farina, as well as pies, cakes, spaghetti and other pasta.  It is important to note that a high-fiber diet also won’t produce a soft, bulky stool unless taken in conjunction with plenty of fluids.  Lots of plain water is suggested, but fruit juices, coffee, tea, soft drinks and other beverages are also acceptable.

You should avoid straining during a bowel movement since straining can cause a flare-up.  Additionally, you should avoid spending too much time on the toilet.  Sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods can aggravate hemorrhoids or produce fissures (thin cracks in the skin) surrounding the anus.  Promptly heed the urge to go to the toilet.  Delaying this dries the stool, making it harder, more compact, and difficult to evacuate.

A stool softener or bulking agent may treat severe constipation temporarily.  Many brands are available in the pharmacy, although most health care prooviders prefer for you to eventually adjust your diet to include more fiber and not rely on medications to bulk or soften the stool artificially.

Warm water sitz baths are another effective measure your doctor may recommend.  Soaking the anal area for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day may provide some relief of pain and itching.  Adding Epsom salts to the water will help increase pain relief and reduce swelling.  You should not use a washcloth to cleanse the rectal area; instead, pat yourself dry with a towel.  Suppositories are usually recommended for internal hemorrhoids.  Anorectal creams and ointments are usually recommended for external hemorrhoids.