What causes hemorrhoidal irritation or enlargement?
Straining of the belly or pelvis is the primary cause or hemorrhoidal inflammation. This happens to child-bearing women commonly during the pregnancy and childbirth; some of these “stretched” hemorrhoids will resolve, while others will continue lifelong as an intermittent problem. With over ten million (4% of the U.S. population) bothered with hemorrhoids at any given time, we used to believe that constipation was the primary culprit. While straining for bowel movements certainly is a huge factor, high anal sphincter muscle tone can cause hemorrhoidal irritation. If you have a lot of daily stress, or you are plagued with a nervous or irritable bowel, your sphincter pressure is probably high and you are at risk for hemorrhoids. Caffeine can increase your hemorrhoidal pressure as well. And heavy lifting can both cause straining and increase your sphincter tone. Several serious medical conditions can also be associated with hemorrhoidal enlargement and irritation. Crohn’s Disease, an auto
