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Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The causes of haemorrhoids is not well understood but the following factors are important:

  • constipation and prolonged straining at stool
    • the typical Western diet is low in fibre and haemorrhoids are more common
    • haemorrhoids are uncommon in developing countries

  • increased anal sphincter tone:
    • several effective treatments aim to reduce anal tone, including anal stretch procedures and nitroglycerine ointment

  • obstruction of venous flow may play a role:
    • during pregnancy
    • in patients with portal hypertension

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