How long do hemorrhoids last?

What are hemorrhoids?

About 50% of adults have hemorrhoids. Pain, itching and discomfort are some of the most common symptoms that make daily life difficult for some. But how long do the symptoms last, and when should we seek medical advice?

Hemorrhoids are lumps of arteries and veins that are normally found in both men and women. In fact, they serve functions such as regulating stools and generally sealing and protecting the anus. [1]

What are the different types of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are separated as follows: [2]

• Internal: They relate to the lower part of the colon, the rectum, and they are not easily perceived, unless they are irritated or enlarged.
• External: They are located on the surface of the anus and become easily visible when swelling.

Hemorrhoids symptoms  & duration

As we have mentioned earlier, these vessels are normal anatomical characteristics of the human body, which serve certain physiological functions. But when they are inflated, they cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, such as: [2] [3] [4]

• Itchiness
• Pain
• Mucus secretion
• Blood in stool

Hemorrhoids duration differs from person to person. In particular, it depends on the severity of hemorrhoids and their classification.

Most mild internal hemorrhoids recede on their own within a week (at most). On the other hand, larger internal hemorrhoids can suffer for someone for up to 2-3 weeks and demand medical intervention to retreat, especially if a prolapse has been caused.

External hemorrhoids are usually painful, so you may need to visit a doctor as soon as they develop, in order to give you analgesics.

Of course, some factors have a catalytic effect on the time that hemorrhoids last. Specifically, during pregnancy, where there is swelling of the veins due to certain hormones, it is more likely that hemorrhoids will be suppressed after giving birth. Of course, the constipation observed in pregnant women makes the situation even more difficult.

How often do they come back?

The truth is that hemorrhoids may return. This depends on both the type of hemorrhoids and the technique applied for their treatment.

Specifically [4]:

• In non-surgical applications: they return 10-50% in 5 years.
• In surgery applications: they return to less than 5%

Home remedies for hemorrhoids

Some practices and treatments that can be applied for hemorrhoids relief are as follows [5] [6]:

• Warm bath with Epsom salt. Try sinking into a bathtub with warm water for about 20 minutes, after each defecation. Adding Epsom salts is capable of providing further relief by reducing pain.
• Cold compresses. Apply ice cubes or compresses soaked with cold water to the anus to relieve swelling for 15 minutes after each defecation.  Alternatively, be sure to wrap ice in a cotton cloth. This will provide relief even to larger hemorrhoids and will not further irritate the affected area.

Points to pay attention to

1. Do not scrape the affected area. You could hurt the skin and worse the irritation.

2. Choose cotton underwear. It maintains the area ventilated and prevents the accumulation of moisture that aggravates the hemorrhoids.

3. Do not postpone the defecation. It is especially important to go to the toilet with the very first need. In this way defecation is easier, preventing constipation and hemorrhoids are not worsen.

4. Adopt a diet rich in fiber. Specifically, select foods such as:

• whole grains
• legumes
• fresh fruits
• vegetables

They make the stools softer, facilitate defecation, prevent constipation and therefore hemorrhoids. In addition, you can take a dietary supplement rich in fiber, such as psyllium Husk for more direct relief.

5. Ηydration. Consume plenty of liquids during the day to keep your stools soft. This would facilitate their passage from the large intestine.

6. Avoid sedentary life. Even if your daily life requires a lot of sitting (due to work in office), be sure to take regular breaks. Even fast walking 20-30 minutes every day can help you get rid of hemorrhoids easier.

7. Limit the time you sit on the toilet. When you sit too long in the toilet-seat, the pressure on the veins and the arteries is increasing, resulting in hemorrhoids.

8. Use a soft seat. A soft sedentary surface, such as a pillow, will soften the swelling of irritated hemorrhoids. In addition, it helps prevent their occurance.

9. Choose alcohol-free wipes. Wet wipes containing alcohol can worse the symptoms of hemorrhoids. In fact, there are now special cleansing wipes for hemorrhoids.

What does the best hemorrhoids cream contain?

A natural ointment, in order to act and bring the desired results, requires the presence of certain botanical extracts. Indicatively, below are the main ones, which offer physical treatment. [5] [7] [8]

Amamelis

Amamelis can reduce itching, both the pain and edema of external hemorrhoids, thanks to its anti -inflammatory action.

Aloe Vera

Pure aloe vera gel is often used to treat hemorrhoids and skin diseases. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce irritation.

Tea Tree oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can help relieve pain, itching and discomfort. Tea tree oil contributes to the fight against bacteria that could otherwise lead to infections on damaged or irritated skin. However, it should not be used alone, but as an ingredient of a cream because of its strong action.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil provides anti-inflammatory properties and is capable of reducing inflammation and swelling directly and effectively. In addition, it has antibacterial properties, which contribute to faster healing. Edible coconut oil can also help relieve constipation thanks to its laxative action.

Bioflavonoids

Studies have shown that both oral bioflavonoid administration and their topical application in the form of cream/ ointment in affected hemorrhoids can improve blood circulation and reduce the symptoms of irritated hemorrhoids. 

Typical examples are the substances:

• diosmin
• hesperidin
• routine
• troxerutin

Zinc oxide

Zinc oxide creams help reduce irritation. Specifically, when combined with menthol they can be particularly effective in relieving anal itching, which may be related to hemorrhoids.

When to see the doctor

You have to contact your doctor if the hemorrhoids do not go away after a week. [9]

In addition, you should seek medical assistance if:

• you notice enough blood in your stool
• you have intense pain
• there is anatomical change in the surface of the anus (which may testify to hemorrhoids).

What doctor treats hemorrhoids?

A gastroenterologist or a general surgeon can diagnose your problem and make the appropriate therapeutic methods for immediate relief.

Find at Vita4you.gr a wide variety of products for hemorrhoids!