Medical history for hemorrhoids

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Medical History for Hemorrhoids

Your doctor will ask questions about diet or bowel habits that may contribute to hemorrhoids. Factors that may cause hemorrhoids or make them worse include:

Eating a low-fiber diet.
Not getting enough fluids.
Drinking too much alcohol or caffeinated drinks (like coffee or soda).
Prolonged sitting, straining, or holding your breath during bowel movements.
Sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Frequent heavy lifting or holding your breath when lifting heavy objects.

Medical conditions that make you prone to hemorrhoids include:

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Personal or family history of hemorrhoids.
Being overweight.
Pregnancy and being postpartum.
Long-term diarrhea or constipation.
Infection in the anal canal.
Liver or heart disease, which results in a backflow of blood that increases pressure on blood vessels in the abdomen and pelvic area.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Brent Shoji, MD - General Surgery
Last Revised	September 22, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 22, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.