Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a common condition involving swollen, inflamed veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. They cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding. Approximately 1 in 20 Americans experience bothersome hemorrhoids, affecting people of all ages, though they become more common after age 50.
Typical Healing Time for Hemorrhoids
The time it takes for a hemorrhoid to resolve varies with its severity. Mild cases often improve within a few days to a week with self-care. More severe or persistent cases may take several weeks or even months to fully resolve.
External hemorrhoids, which form under the skin around the anus, can be painful but often subside within a few days to a week. Internal hemorrhoids, located inside the rectum, are generally less painful. However, larger ones that protrude may cause discomfort and can take several weeks to diminish.
Factors Influencing Recovery Duration
Several elements impact how quickly a hemorrhoid goes away. A thrombosed external hemorrhoid, involving a blood clot, causes severe pain and takes about two to three weeks to resolve. Larger, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids that do not retract on their own take longer to heal.
Lifestyle factors influence recovery. A low-fiber diet, inadequate hydration, and a sedentary lifestyle can prolong healing. Persistent straining during bowel movements or prolonged sitting on the toilet increases pressure on the anal veins, delaying resolution. Chronic constipation or diarrhea also contribute to extended recovery periods.
Supportive Care and Medical Treatments
Self-care measures help hemorrhoid healing. Increasing dietary fiber intake to 25-30 grams daily helps soften stools and reduce straining. Staying well-hydrated by drinking ample fluids aids in softer bowel movements.
Sitz baths, soaking the anal area in warm water, can relieve pain, itching, and muscle spasms. Over-the-counter treatments can alleviate mild pain, swelling, and itching. Avoiding straining during bowel movements and not sitting on the toilet for extended periods reduces pressure on affected veins.
When self-care is insufficient, medical interventions can expedite resolution. Rubber band ligation involves placing an elastic band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off within a week. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the hemorrhoid to shrink it. For larger or persistent hemorrhoids, surgical options like hemorrhoidectomy may be considered for severe cases.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor if hemorrhoid symptoms persist for more than a week despite consistent self-care. Persistent or severe pain could indicate a more serious issue, such as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Any significant rectal bleeding warrants medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by signs of infection like fever or pus.
A prolapsed hemorrhoid that cannot be pushed back also requires medical attention. While hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, other more serious conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer, can present with similar symptoms. Any instance of rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor.