How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last?
How long do hemorrhoids last? Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are a condition characterized by a swollen anus or rectum. They are a result of infected or swollen blood vessels in the rectal area. The amount of time you can expect to suffer from hemorrhoids depends on a number of different factors, including the type of hemorrhoids you have.
There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external.
Internal hemorrhoids involve swollen veins that are found in the anal canal. They are neither painful nor visible. It can be painful, however, when the veins become too engorged and get pushed out of your rectum when you are passing stools. This is likely to happen when the swollen veins cannot retract back into one’s anal canal. These veins, when visible, appear as soft tissues that are light red colored. This is also referred to as prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.
On the other hand, external hemorrhoids are found on the rim of your anus. The swollen or inflamed veins will appear as lumps or bumps that are near the anal opening. They are brownish in color. When they become exposed, it can result in irritation, especially when friction occurs. Common problems experienced by its sufferers include itchiness, pain, and bleeding. The condition will worsen once the blood clots form and may result in thrombosed external hemorrhoids.
How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last?
It is actually very difficult to determine what the exact duration for hemorrhoids will be because of the many factors which should be taken into consideration.
The answer to how long do hemorrhoids last will generally depend on the severity and how much pain the hemorrhoid causes. When the sufferer makes treatment a priority, the condition may only last seven to ten days. For others however, hemorrhoids may last for years, making them a persistent and dangerous health condition.
For pregnant women, chances are that they’ve developed hemorrhoids through their pregnancies and the hemorrhoids may disappear naturally after they give birth.
Treatments
It is important to realize that with proper self care, you can easily and treat your hemorrhoids at home through medication or homeopathic methods. One way to treat hemorrhoids at home is to apply cold compresses to the affected area. An ice pack is one of the most common and best treatments for the pain and discomfort brought about by hemorrhoids. The cold application will help reduce the swelling and may also serve as a means to numb the rectum area before a bowel movement. Cold compresses can be applied as often as needed.
You may also use a hemorrhoid cushion. This is an inflatable cushion that is blown up like a balloon and then sat on. This will help alleviate the pressure brought about by sitting on your hemorrhoids. By taking the pressure off, you can sit more comfortably and help speed up the healing process.
For medication, you can use over the counter gels and creams. Most of these products have anti-itch and numbing properties.
For most sufferers, it is the discomfort and pain after a bowel movement that makes the condition unbearable. You can choose from a wide selection of affordable hemorrhoid products available that will help reduce this pain and itching.
Improving your diet will help you heal faster as well. Fiber has many beneficial effects in alleviating your hemorrhoid symptoms and bleeding. A diet rich in fiber will help soften your stool as well as increase its bulk. This helps reduce the straining during a bowel movement.
It is very easy to load up on fiber. Begin by eating foods such as whole grains, brown rice, whole wheat pastas and breads, cereals, broccoli, spinach, peas, beans, prunes, and dates. Another option is taking a fiber supplement such as Psyllium which is very inexpensive and easy to find. Another natural form of treatment is a Butcher’s Broom. It is taken in the form of tea or a capsule and helps in the treatment of hemorrhoids.