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Medical History for Hemorrhoids

Your doctor will ask questions about diet or bowel habits that may contribute to hemorrhoids. Things 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:

  • 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 Kenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal
Last Revised March 16, 2012

Last Revised: March 16, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Kenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal

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