Hemorrhoids are a common condition involving swollen veins located in the rectum or around the anus. They can develop inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). Nearly 1 in 20 Americans experience bothersome hemorrhoids. They become noticeable when swollen, leading to various uncomfortable symptoms.
General Timeframes for Resolution
The duration of hemorrhoids can vary significantly, often depending on their type and severity. Minor cases may resolve within a few days to a week with self-care measures. Internal hemorrhoids cause painless bleeding but generally do not cause discomfort unless they prolapse or become very swollen. If an internal hemorrhoid protrudes outside the anus, it might take longer to heal and could require medical intervention.
External hemorrhoids can be more noticeable, causing itching, pain, or tenderness. Mild external hemorrhoids improve within about a week. When a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, it becomes a thrombosed hemorrhoid, appearing as a painful, bluish-purple lump. While pain from a thrombosed hemorrhoid subsides within a few days, the lump itself may take two to three weeks or longer to resolve as the body reabsorbs the clot.
Elements Influencing Recovery Time
Several factors can influence how quickly hemorrhoids heal and whether they recur. Severity plays a role; smaller, less severe cases resolve faster than larger or protruding ones. Lifestyle choices, such as a diet low in fiber, can contribute to constipation and straining during bowel movements, which puts pressure on rectal veins and can prolong hemorrhoid symptoms or cause new ones. Conversely, a high-fiber diet and adequate hydration help soften stools, reducing straining and promoting faster healing.
Home remedies, like sitz baths and topical creams, alleviate symptoms and support healing. Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure on the anal veins, hindering recovery. Chronic constipation or diarrhea, and pregnancy due to increased abdominal pressure, can also prolong hemorrhoids or lead to recurrence. Regular physical activity can help prevent constipation and reduce pressure on the veins, aiding in recovery.
When Professional Medical Advice is Needed
While many hemorrhoid symptoms can improve with home care, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. Severe or persistent rectal bleeding, especially if lasting more than a day or two, warrants a doctor’s visit. Although hemorrhoids are a common cause of bright red blood, bleeding can also signal more serious underlying conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer, which a medical professional can rule out.
Other symptoms prompting medical attention include severe pain disrupting daily life, or pain not improving after a week of home treatment. Signs of potential complications like infection (fever, chills, or pus) also require immediate medical assessment. A prolapsed hemorrhoid that cannot be gently pushed back, or one causing significant pain, should also be evaluated by a healthcare provider.