Are irritable bowel syndrome and gas related to hemorrhoids?

Studies have found a link between IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), gas and hemorrhoids. Some people who suffer from IBS tend to develop weakened veins in the lower portion of the colon. Closer examination showed that IBS symptoms and gas accumulation within the bowels are all contributing factors to hemorrhoid formation. In some people, symptoms of IBS are among the exacerbating factors of venous distention in the rectum and anal regions.

IBS and hemorrhoidal development

The symptoms of IBS contributes to the distention, enlargement and weakening of the veins in the rectal and anal regions. These include:

• Constipation – This is most probably the leading symptom of IBS that contributes to the development of weakened, enlarged, and inflamed veins in the terminal portions of the large intestines. In IBS, constipation results from spastic colon. The muscles of the intestines contracts irregularly, which can hinder normal movement of fecal matter along the intestines. Also, IBS may cause malabsorptions. This may cause feces to turn hard because of lack of water and inadequate mucus.

• Bloating – Bloating causes an increase in pressure in the abdominal region. This, in turn, puts pressure on the rectal and anal regions.

• Diarrhea – Diarrhea can exacerbate symptoms of hemorrhoids. In some instances, straining can occur during a diarrheal movement. Also, the constant fecal passage can increase irritation to the bowel linings. Also diarrhea can cause repeated straining that can weaken the walls of the veins in the lower portions of the colon.

• Abdominal swelling – IBS can cause the organs in the abdominal region to become inflamed. In some severe cases, the peritoneal lining of the abdominal region also becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes the organ to become heavier, which can put pressure on the sensitive veins found the rectum and anus. The swelling and inflammation may also affect the colon area, which leads to pressure and constriction on the veins. This can disrupt blood flow, leading to venous engorgement and distention.

• Gas – In IBS, some sufferers experience symptoms of spastic colon. Lack of oxygen, nutrients and presence of inflammation can cause the muscles of the colon to go into spasms. When this happens, gas can become trapped within the digestive tract. Gas accumulates and applies pressure to the walls of the intestines.

Gas and Hemorrhoids

Gas, as has been previously mentioned, can exacerbate or contribute to the development of distended veins in the terminal portion of the colon. Gas becomes trapped within the digestive tract. The pressure builds up within this confined space. The pressure can push against the walls of the intestines. In the colon, this pressure against the walls affects the veins. It disrupts the blood to and from the veins. This promotes pooling of blood within the veins. Eventually, the pressure from the accumulated blood leads to weakening of the valves and walls of the veins. The veins weaken and become distended, forming hemorrhoids.

However, gas alone does not automatically cause venous distention. It takes quite a while for the process described above to occur. Gas accumulation should be recurrent and of a substantial magnitude to put enough pressure to disrupt blood flow and cause weakening in the venous walls.