Some of the most common piles causes include straining too hard while passing stool and weak tissue attaching the anal cushions to the underlying muscle. The condition is more likely to occur if a person is overweight or has constipation. Other potential piles causes include being pregnant and suffering from diarrhea over a long period of time. A family history of the condition can also increase the chance of suffering from piles.
Piles, or hemorrhoids, are enlarged blood vessels that can cause pain, itching, and sometimes bleeding from the rectum. Blood vessels either inside the rectum or outside the anus can become enlarged when they are placed under increased pressure. There are a number of common piles causes, but the condition can occur due to something as simple as straining too hard while passing a stool. Hemorrhoids can occur at any age even though they are often seen as a problem for the elderly. There are a number of potential piles causes but the true reason for them is often unknown.
The cause of piles can vary, but the underlying process is thought to be similar in all cases. If the tissue connecting the anal cushions to underlying muscle is weak, straining while passing stool can force the cushions to slide further down the anus. Weak cushioning attachment is only a theory, but many doctors believe it could be the reason as to why some people are more likely to get the condition.
Factors which can increase the chances of getting piles include being overweight, suffering from constipation, and eating a low-fiber diet. Fiber helps to keep stool soft, which in turn reduces the need for straining. Other factors which can increase the chance of hemorrhoids include being pregnant and having diarrhea for a long period of time. Even though any age group can suffer from piles, it is more likely to occur in older people as the anal tissue becomes weaker later in life.
Some people are genetically predisposed to hemorrhoids, especially if there is a family history of the disorder. If a person inherits weak blood vessels, for example, this can increase the chances of getting the condition. Piles are not usually dangerous, although surgery is sometimes required if conservative treatment fails. Some of the symptoms that piles causes can mimic other conditions, however. Therefore, it is important to visit a doctor rather than trying to self diagnose the problem.