HemRid

Is it Normal to Have Hemorrhoids for More Than a Year?

Average hemorrhoid duration

Chronic constipation, genetic makeup, age, and certain physical activities can lead to hemorrhoid bumps. These bumps form when either of these factors exerts unhealthy pressure on a person’s rectal canal, causing the surrounding blood vessels to get inflamed.

Hemorrhoid bumps can sometimes remain small and go unnoticed. Such bumps require no medical intervention and usually disappear on their own. Some hemorrhoids that get flared up frequently can become larger, extremely painful, and may last much longer.

These stubborn hemorrhoid bumps normally last for a couple of weeks, after which they shrink and go away. At times, extensive medication or surgery needs to be performed to treat these hemorrhoids. Untreated hemorrhoids can keep growing and may burst after getting too large. These ruptured hemorrhoids can get infected and even threaten the patient’s life.

It is not normal for hemorrhoids to last for more than a year. People who complain about their hemorrhoids persisting for longer than 3-5 weeks need to allow the intervention of a healthcare professional.

Keep reading below to learn why some people experience hemorrhoids all year round and what can be done to cure this condition.

Why Do Some Hemorrhoids Last More Than a Year?

The normal duration a hemorrhoid can last is almost 3-5 weeks. At times the hemorrhoids disappear on their own within a week, and sometimes treatment is performed to make them go away.

Several factors may cause hemorrhoids to last for abnormal periods. Some of these factors include:

Poor Dietary Choices

Lack of sufficient fiber and nutrients is the primary cause of chronic constipation that results in the formation of hemorrhoid bumps.

When a person develops hemorrhoids in their rectum or anus, they first need to change their diet. Adding whole grains, legumes, pulses, fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables to all the day’s meals is critical for pumping up the fiber intake.

Moreover, one can also take additional fiber and vitamin C supplements for severe hemorrhoids. The fiber supplements would help cure constipation, allowing the smooth expulsion of stools, while the vitamin C would speed up hemorrhoid healing.

If a hemorrhoid patient continues to make bad food choices by eating refined, processed, and deep-fried foods, their condition worsens. As a result, they experience frequent constipation, and the pressure keeps flaring up the hemorrhoids.

Dehydration

Water is critical for all healthy bodily functions. It is essential for maintaining a well-regulated digestive system.

Without sufficient water in the body, the stools get harder and drier. Moreover, the gel lining that lubricates the inner gut tract gets thinner. As a result, the forceful expulsion of stools causes new hemorrhoids to form and existing ones to worsen.

When a person suffering from hemorrhoids doesn’t drink enough water, the dehydration causes the hemorrhoids to persist for abnormal periods.

Obesity

Being overweight puts unhealthy pressure on the rectal canal, causing hemorrhoid bumps to form. When the person puts in no effort to reduce the body weight, the hemorrhoids keep worsening.

As a result, more hemorrhoids form, burst, and last for way more than a year.

Heavy Weight Lifting

Just like being overweight puts pressure on the rectal canal, frequent heavy weight lifting can do the same. If a person does not stop hitting the gym while suffering from hemorrhoids, the disease eventually keeps on worsening.

As a result, the person may complain about suffering from hemorrhoids for many months.

Occupations that Involve Prolonged Sitting

Many employees and students spend multiple hours sitting on a seat in front of their desks. Due to prolonged sitting, the blood tends to accumulate in the vessels surrounding the rectum and anus. As a result, the added pressure from the accumulations causes vessels to break and hemorrhoids to form.

When a person is suffering from hemorrhoids, ideally, they should observe a break from such routines to allow their hemorrhoids to heal. Not doing so keeps worsening the situation, causing hemorrhoids to persist for abnormal periods.

Pregnancy

Women gain a lot of abdominal weight as their pregnancy continues for more than four months. This added weight causes hemorrhoids to form in the rectal canal and anus.

Since pregnancy lasts for multiple months, women suffering from hemorrhoids continue to experience their symptoms during this time.

Moreover, childbirth can cause more hemorrhoids to form and existing ones to burst. Hence, pregnant women can experience hemorrhoids for abnormal periods.

Tips for the Timely Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids usually only worsen when a person neglects their treatment. With proper care, hemorrhoids can be treated within 3-5 weeks.

Some of these care tips are:

  • Consuming high fiber diets regularlyto help soften the stool;
  • Consuming vitamin C supplements to boost hemorrhoid healing and immunity from deadly infections;
  • Increasing the water intake by drinking 8-10 standard glasses or 2-3 liters of water every day;
  • Consulting a specialist for timely examination and proper treatment;
  • Doing cardio exercise to reduce body weight;
  • Shifting to workouts that do not involve heavy weight lifting;
  • Using the prescribed drug store medication for treatments;
  • Incorporating natural and organic home remedies into the daily routine to boost healing and treatment;
  • Using a special donut-shaped cushion for sitting. Such a cushion allows the buttocks to stay slightly apart, allowing hemorrhoid bumps the needed rest;
  • Taking frequent short breaks to avoid sitting for frequent periods;
  • Avoiding pregnancy while suffering from hemorrhoids;
  • Refraining from anal sex.

Final Thoughts

Hemorrhoids persisting for prolonged periods can cause physical and emotional distress. However, the good thing is that proper care, treatment, and attention can help cure hemorrhoids quickly.

For more information regarding normal hemorrhoid duration and recovery, click here.