Hemorrhoids: How Long Do They Last?

Hemorrhoids are minor medical conditions that can be treated easily and fast in a matter of days or weeks. However, many are still suffering on what we call chronic hemorrhoids. In a chronic condition, there is no longer pain, swelling, bleeding nor itchiness but there is the threat or possibility of prolapse when the old symptoms may come back. The hemorrhoids may have shrunk but they are still there. So for hemorrhoids, how long do they actually last? Hemorrhoids can last for a few days and if treated immediately and effectively can be gone for good fast. However, hemorrhoids in their chronic condition, specially those without treatment, can last for years or even decades.

The most basic question then is how to get rid of chronic hemorrhoids naturally and effectively? First of all, it is important to understand what is the root cause of the problem and the conditions aggravating it. Once these are identified then you can act accordingly.

If prolonged sitting is aggravating your problem, as was the case for my Dad who was a truck-driver for many years, it will be helpful to find breaks to do some stretches in between. Providing an additional cushion to sit on can be helpful.

Another important aspect that you can work-on is in the choice of your diet. Most probably, you have experienced that straining and constipation trigger swelling, pain and bleeding. For sure, you must already be convinced that some foods can actually promote the symptoms. Avoiding then those foods like meat-diets and colas that promote constipation and changing instead to a high-fiber, high-fluid diet is a basic long-term management for hemorrhoids. These diet changes have the best impact when it comes to having a more regular and easy defection. While a radical shift in a diet is more difficult to achieve, a gradual substitution of fruit, vegetable or legumes to your usual meat and carbohydrate diet is more achievable. For our family, we try to add at least one additional serving of fruits or vegetables each day and gradually reduce the quantity and frequency of our meat-filled dishes. Our favorite sauteed beef-brocolli is now a sauteed brocolli-tossed-with-beef!

In terms of increasing fluid intake which is extremely important, aim to drink at least 8 glasses each day. These may include coffee (which naturally has some laxative effect), fruit juices, tea and lots of warm water. I find it helpful to drink a tall glass of warm water first thing in the morning. This helps me have regular and easy bowel movement. For tea, take note that black tea may actually cause hardening of stools (so it is helpful for those suffering with diarrhea). I recommend herbal teas like camomile, green tea, senna and fruit teas.

You do not have to live with hemorrhoids for years neither have to undergo expensive medical procedures. Take these practical steps of modifying your diet as one of the most basic and important strategy on how to treat chronic hemorrhoids for good. Act today and start counting your hemorrhoids-free days.