Q. Being one of the masses who have a desk job and take numerous plane trips, I often have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are distended veins around the anus that can become inflamed, causing itching, pain and rectal bleeding. Yet the pain can become severe. Prolonged sitting, constipation and irritants in the diet are common causes. So is pregnancy, but the problem disappears after delivery.
Stress can also make hemorrhoids flare up.
Foods that can cause you trouble include strong spices such as red pepper and mustard, and drinks such as coffee, decaffeinated coffee and alcohol. Avoid these, and tobacco. You can treat constipation by eating more fiber . A vegetarian diet will help you here. Or take psyllium seed husks, in any of the forms available in drugstores and health-food stores.