How long do hemorrhoids last ?

Facts about Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids or piles are condition affecting the blood vessels in the rectal area of the body. Swelling of these blood vessels may be either internal or external.

Internal hemorrhoids are characterized by the swelling of the veins inside the rectum. The condition is known to cause pain and in some cases veins might get pushed outside the rectum. This problem is called prolapsed internal hemorrhoids and hemorrhoids can be seen as lightly red soft tissue around the rectum.

External hemorrhoids are normally located on the edge of the anus, and when these veins become inflamed or swollen. Doctors usually see brown bumps around the opening of the anus. Exposure and friction may cause irritation, itchiness and many patients suffering from external hemorrhoids also reported the bleeding and pain. Further worsening of this condition involves blood clots and thrombosis of these hemorrhoids.

Treatments may include drugs or homeopathic remedies. There are many OTC (over the counter) creams and gels for hemorrhoids and they usually contain substances with anti-itching and numbing effects. On the market there are also various products to relieve the pain caused by hemorrhoids. Butcher’s broom tea or capsules are found to be effective treatment for hemorrhoids as well.

Cold compresses or ice packs on the affected area may resolve the pain and inflammation, at least for some time and especially before the bowel movement. Hemorrhoid cushions are very useful if the person suffers from hemorrhoids and needs to sit all day at work. They take away the pressure from that particular part of the body and hemorrhoids can heal much faster thatway.

Diet changes are also proven to be beneficial, so people suffering from hemorrhoids should use food rich in fibers. Dates, prunes, peas, spinach and broccoli are loaded with fibers and these patients should use them as much as possible. Also, there are plenty of fibers in cereals, brown rice, whole grains and whole wheat pasta and breads. Psyllium is known as fiber supplement, so hemorrhoid sufferers may also find and use it.

Duration of Hemorrhoids

It is not easy to answer to the question how long do hemorrhoids last. Doctors need to take into account many different factors and even then, they can’t say for sure when they will pass in your case.

In general, it can be said that lasting of hemorrhoids depends on the severity of the problem and the pain it causes. There are patients suffering just a week or so from this problem, and there are others, experiencing hemorrhoid problems for several years. Hemorrhoids are very common among pregnant women, but this condition is transient and usually resolves after the childbirth.