Haemorrhoids

Alun

Not looking for medical advice here, but as a long term sufferer, I've always wondered why, given where they're located and their nature, they don't lead to all kinds of nasty bacterial infections? I mean, you've got what is effectively an open path to the blood supply with bacteria laden faeces in close proximity.

Xeyn

Haemorrhoids arent an open path to the blood supply though.

Alun

Xeyn wrote: »

Haemorrhoids arent an open path to the blood supply though.

?? They're effectively burst varicose veins though aren't they?

Xeyn

Nope. But they are similar to varicose veins yes. They are vascular cushions which have become swollen or irritated. They are prone to bleeding and on occassion thrombosis. If you are referring to the fact that they bleed then yes you are right, bacteria can enter the blood stream and most likely does. But this is the same as saying why dont we get nasty infections when we brush our teeth too vigourously or floss, as microabrasions will cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream every time we brush our teeth.
You have to remember also that the bacteria in the gut are commensals - ie. they are not the virulent kind in most circumstances. So when you do get bacteria in the blood stream via haemorrhoids (probably around the time you have a movement) its not bad enough to overcome the bodies natural defense system. We arent exactly sitting ducks when something nasty comes along.
Your gut has a lot of immediate defences (lymphoid tissue - lymphatic system) within the mucosa itself which will deal with any intruders before they become a problem.

Alun

Great, thanks for that. Much the wiser now.

Xeyn

No problem. Haemorrhoids can get infected if your immune system is compromised though.
Tip for sufferers and those looking to avoid haemorrhoids: Dont ever take a magazine, smart phone into the toilet with you

RUCKING FETARD

Xeyn wrote: »

Dont ever take a magazine, smart phone into the toilet with you

Bad diet and straining during a movement would be well above ^^^ as a cause.

Humans are the only species observed to get piles.

Xeyn

RUCKING FETARD wrote: »

Bad diet and straining during a movement would be well above ^^^ as a cause.

Thats pretty much a given to the average person. People however do not think twice about sitting on a toilet for 15 mins with increased abdominal pressure even if its not a full forced strain.

El_Dangeroso

RUCKING FETARD wrote: »

Bad diet and straining during a movement would be well above ^^^ as a cause.

Humans in the developed world are the only species observed to get piles.

Just added a little to your post. Piles in the developing world are vanishingly rare.

One theory proposed that contributes (along with crappy diet already mentioned) is that most people in developing countries don't have sit down toilets, more often than not a hole in the ground (anyone who has travelled through rural Asia will attest to this!). So they don't sit down, they squat on their haunches to poop. This requires much less straining and is basically how we evolved to defecate.

A small trial in Isreal resulted in improvement for haemorrhoids by changing the position so it can be palliative even if not preventative:

Table of results

Cue the rise in little bathroom gadgets that are supposed to mimic the squatting position, but most don't completely and are not scientifically verified. And it would be a bit weird explaining to guests what they were.