Is Constipation Caused by Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids and Constipation: Understanding the Link and Treatment Options

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, affect 1 in 20 Americans and are more common in adults over 50. If you have hemorrhoids, they could be linked to an underlying condition such as constipation. Let’s discuss the link between hemorrhoids and constipation and why addressing these concerns is essential.

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Overview of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that appear as lumps in the anus and lower rectum. There are two different types of hemorrhoids: External and internal. External hemorrhoids occur in the anus, while internal hemorrhoids form deeper inside the rectum.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids look like swollen lumps, and they are typically red or purple. The symptoms of external and internal hemorrhoids can vary.

• Symptoms of external hemorrhoids:
• Bright red bleeding from the anus after a bowel movement (pooping)
• Typically painless unless they prolapse and strangulate (when the internal hemorrhoid bulges out of the anus and the blood supply cuts off)
• Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids:
• Bright red bleeding from the anus after a bowel movement (pooping)
• Typically painless unless they prolapse and strangulate (when the internal hemorrhoid bulges out of the anus and the blood supply cuts off)

Causes of Hemorrhoids

There is no single cause of hemorrhoids, and you may notice that more than one contributing factor caused them. Factors associated with hemorrhoids include:

• Straining during a bowel movement
• Sitting on the toilet for too long
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Low-fiber diet
• Pregnancy
• Weakening of the tissues within the anus and rectum (more common with aging)

Research has found a potential link between inflammatory bowel disease and hemorrhoids, as these diseases cause chronic diarrhea or constipation. Diarrhea and constipation are the main risk factors for hemorrhoids.

Treatment for Hemorrhoids

Home treatments and remedies:

• Try an over-the-counter laxative or stool softener.
• Try an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository.
• Use over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for pain and swelling.
• Eat foods high in fiber.
• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid sitting on the toilet for too long.
• Try a sitz bath—a warm tub of water with Epsom salt.
• Apply a wrapped ice pack to reduce swelling.
• Switch to wet wipes instead of toilet paper.

If your symptoms persist, seek advice from a doctor. You should also speak to your doctor when home remedies don’t work or when the pain or swelling worsens. To diagnose your hemorrhoids or determine the best treatment, your doctor will need to examine the area.

Overview of Constipation

Constipation occurs when you have difficulty emptying your bowels. The stools are hard and lumpy, making it difficult to pass a bowel movement. However, you may notice some signs of constipation before it reaches this stage.

By definition, constipation typically occurs when you have three or fewer bowel movements in one week. Doctors can use the Rome IV criteria to diagnose functional constipation as follows:

• Straining for more than 25% of defecations
• Lumpy or hard stools in more than 25% of defecations
• Feeling like your bowels aren’t empty after 25% of defecations
• Feeling like there is a blockage in the bowels in more than 25% of defecations
• Needing to manually maneuver to defecate 25% of the time
• Having less than three spontaneous bowel movements each