If you are suffering from Hemorrhoids, the first question that comes to your mind when you experience the pain is “How long do hemorrhoids last?”

Apart from the pain, there might be other infuriating symptoms like itching, burning and even bleeding. Don’t worry! This article gives all your answers concerning how long do hemorrhoids last. However, in order to answer this question effectively, there is first a need to comprehend what hemorrhoids actually are, what are their causes and symptoms and finally, how are they treated.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, popularly known as piles, refer to a common medical problem that is caused by the swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectal area. The inflamed and swollen veins cause pain and itching and even bleeding in many cases. Hemorrhoids can occur in any area of the rectum, and depending on where and how they occur, might dictate how to treat them. Furthermore, hemorrhoids vary in size and so does the intensity of pain that they cause.

External Hemorrhoids

In addition to that, there are different types of hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids occur outside the anal area. They are not that complicated, as they can be seen or felt externally and can be treated with topical medication. They become painful, if the blood clots and make them large. In spite of this, such hemorrhoids can be cured with the use of medicated pads, consuming fiber rich diets and taking warm baths.

Internal Hemorrhoids

On the other hand, internal hemorrhoids are of major concern. They occur inside the rectal area. Initially they can be painless, but if they bleed and the situation worsens, they can become quite painful. They may hurt you more and more as they evolve. If this happens, there is a need to consult a physician. This is especially important because hemorrhoids can display similar symptoms to other types of problems.

If you are diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids, then you should start taking precautions and treatment immediately.  If you fail to deal with them, there is a chance they might become prolapsed hemorrhoids where they bulge outside the anus.

The symptoms of internal hemorrhoids get worse with time. How long hemorrhoids last depends on a number of factors. The first and the most important factor is the diet. If you like lot of spicy and oily food, then the situation is probably not going to improve in any case. Hence, there is a need to have a fiber rich diet and intake a lot of water or fluids.

Having a sitz bath can be very effective. The use of cold packs is something else that is also often recommended. There are some topical hemorrhoid medications available these days that give you relief from the itching, burning and swelling of the anus. If your hemorrhoids are quite large in size and causing lot of blood shed, then hemorrhoid surgery might be the advised course of action.

Therefore, the answer to the initial question of, “how long do hemorrhoids last?” is that it depends on how you treat and deal with them.

You need to look at your diet and exercise regimen. The earlier you start with treatment and necessary precautions the better it is. In most people hemorrhoids don’t last long and in many they never return. However, if you suffer with hemorrhoids continually then you should not ignore them, hoping that they will go away all by themselves.

Have a healthy and fiber rich diet. Drink plenty of water. Follow a regular exercise regimen. Do these things and your hemorrhoids could very well become a thing of the past.