It is a fact of life that as we age, our body slows down. We lose some of our mobility and control over our bodily functions as we grow older, making us more susceptible to diseases such as hemorrhoids. While people from all ages get hemorrhoids, they occur far more frequently to people aged between 45-65 years old.
Why Older People Get Hemorrhoids More Often
As the body ages and grows weaker, it tends to lead a more sedentary lifestyle. As a result, the blood that flows to the lower part of the body slows down, including the anal area. The blood gets concentrated in the veins near the anus and rectum, causing the swelling that leads to hemorrhoids.
The lack of movement also makes older people more prone to constipation. Constipation can make the stools hard to pass, leading to straining during bowel movement. This straining puts a lot of pressure on the veins in the anal area.
Getting a Diagnosis
Due to the embarrassing nature of this condition, most people will not readily admit that they have it. This is especially true for older people who are already having difficulty doing basic bodily functions.
If you or a loved one is getting along in years, here are the hemorrhoid symptoms to watch out for:
- Rectal bleeding
- Anal itching or irritation
- Anal lump or swelling
- Painful bowel movement
While getting hemorrhoids can be painful and embarrassing, it is not life-threatening. It can serve as a wake-up call for you or a loved one to make healthier changes in lifestyle, such as eating fiber-rich food, drinking more fluids, and getting regular exercise.
There will be times when a visit to a Los Angeles anal doctor is warranted. If these lifestyle changes are already in place for quite some time and over-the-counter remedies won’t work, you can visit us here at the Proctology Institute to have your hemorrhoids removed.
