Risk factors associated with hemorrhoidal symptoms in specialized consultation.
Epidemiology and risk factors of hemorrhoidal disease are not well defined.


OBJECTIVE
Past history and events occurring during the last two weeks before a medical visit for acute hemorrhoidal symptoms were analyzed and compared with controls consulting for any other diagnosis without exclusion.


RESULTS
Among complete inquiries returned by 931 private gastroenterologists, files from 1033 patients (542 males) and 1028 controls (504 males) were randomly selected. Hemorrhoidal disease patients were younger (47 +/- 14.5 vs. 52 +/- 16.5 yrs; P<0.0001); sex ratio was not different from controls. Factors significantly associated with hemorrhoidal crisis were: past history of hemorrhoidal symptoms, age<50 yrs, past history of anal fissure, occupational activity (OR 5.17; 1.95; 1.72; 1.43; P<0.1) and recent unusual events: spicy diet, constipation, physical activity, alcohol intake (OR 4.95; 3.93; 2.79; 1.99; P<0.1). Stress protected against hemorrhoids (OR 0,49; P<0.0001). For women aged less than 40 yrs, no significant risk factor related with genital activity was found for hemorrhoidal disease.


CONCLUSIONS
For young patients, especially those with a past hemorrhoidal history, spice or alcohol intake and constipation are risk factors for hemorrhoidal crisis. For young women, prevention is essentially based on treatment of constipation associated with genito-obstetrical events.
Pigot
François
F
Service de Proctologie, Hôpital Bagatelle, 33401 Talence Cedex.
Siproudhis
Laurent
L
Allaert
François-André
FA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003248:Constipation / Q000453:epidemiology; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005401:Fissure in Ano / Q000453:epidemiology; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D012307:Risk Factors