Hemorrhoids: Why They Appear, What Is Their Relationship With Prolonged Use Of The Cell Phone In The Bathroom And Some Home Remedies To Cure Them

“The arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the entire body, while the veins are responsible for returning that blood to the heart. The veins in the anus are the only ones that do not have valves, which help blood flow, so it is easier for them to dilate and become inflamed,” explains Héctor Luna, an endoscopist.

There are two types of hemorrhoids. The most common are internal hemorrhoids, which form just above the junction between the anus and rectum, called the anorectal junction; and external hemorrhoids, which form below this junction. Both can remain inside the anus or protrude.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

The main symptom of hemorrhoids is bleeding during defecation so it is common for a patient with dilated anal veins to see blood in the stool or on toilet paper. If this occurs, it is recommended to visit the doctor as soon as possible, to rule out serious diseases. A hard, painful lump may also be felt around the anus.

The area around the anus can feel pain, itching, and burning, as well as pain when defecating. Some people also feel that their intestines are full after going to the bathroom, says Carlos Solís, an internist.

Hemorrhoids are classified into four phases. In the first phase, there are small swellings inside the anal wall that are not visible; in the second phase, they increase in size but are still not visible.

In the third phase, they appear outside the anus, but can easily be reinserted and are called prolapsed hemorrhoids. In the fourth phase, they cannot be expelled, they are very large and remain outside the anus. Hemorrhoids in these two phases require surgery.

Why do hemorrhoids appear?

“There are many causes of dilation of the anal veins. The main one is the increase in transabdominal pressure. For example, in constipated people who have to strain a lot to defecate, the pressure inside the veins increases and they dilate,” says Luna.

Another cause is pregnant, since at this stage pressure is generated inside the abdomen and therefore pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins. This disease is also common in people with cirrhosis since there is pressure in the veins that are before the liver, which causes dilation in the veins of the anus.

Chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation, and excessive straining during defecation dilate the veins in the anus. People who lift a lot of weight also strain this area, which can cause hemorrhoids. The same applies to people who spend a lot of time sitting.

Your relationship with cell phone use in the bathroom

Hemorrhoids are common in people between 30 and 50 years old. However, in recent years they have been seen to be more common in young people. This could be due to bad eating habits, such as excessively irritating foods, coffee, chili, alcohol, drinking too little water, as well as leading a sedentary life and spending too much time sitting.

One of the reasons why more young people and young adults suffer from hemorrhoids is related to prolonged use of cell phones while in the bathroom. This is because spending several minutes sitting on the toilet since there is no support like a chair generates pressure on the veins, which over time can dilate them and cause bleeding. In addition, while in this position, pressure is applied to this area, which is why the veins could dilate.

However, there is currently no scientific evidence to prove that this is the cause of the disease.