Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They can be caused by various factors, including:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting for long periods of time, especially on the toilet
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Anal intercourse
- Low-fiber diet
- Regularly lifting heavy items
- Weakness of the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus, which can occur with age
These factors can lead to increased pressure on the veins in the anal canal, causing them to become swollen and enlarged, and resulting in the development of hemorrhoids.
