What causes condition? Where else would expect to find them?

Generally, hemorrhoids occur as a result of increased pressure in the hemorrhoidal veins. As a population we don't have enough fiber in our diet to keep the stool soft and bulky enough for easy evacuation. When you are working so hard to pass a bowel movement that you're close to popping a vessel in head, you know there's going to be a strain all down the system. The vessels are engorged with blood and dilate. The result: hemorrhoids.

But in some special situations there can be excessive venous pressure secondary to hepatic portal hypertension. This situation occurs with cirrhosis and leads to both esophageal varices and hemorrhoids. But keep in mind that most cases of hemorrhoids are not due to cirrhosis, rather excessive straining at stool or secondary to multiple pregnancies and related increased venous pressure during delivery.

Mark Braun, MD braunm@indiana.edu
Copyright 1998, the Trustees of Indiana University