Understanding Chronic Hemorrhoids

If you struggle with hemorrhoids for over a year, you might have chronic hemorrhoids. Typically, these swollen vessels in or around the rectum resolve quickly. However, if you have chronic internal hemorrhoids or long-term symptoms, medical intervention may be necessary. This post provides an understanding of chronic hemorrhoids, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What Are Chronic Hemorrhoids?

Small hemorrhoids will often resolve within a few days. However, persistent symptoms can last for over a year or more, becoming a chronic concern and impacting quality of life until you seek hemorrhoid treatment.

Symptoms of Chronic Hemorrhoids

Chronic hemorrhoids, the result of ongoing swelling in the blood vessels of your rectum or anus, most commonly lead to persistent symptoms such as itching, discomfort and bleeding. Other symptoms may include

• Irritation and pain in the area surrounding the anus 
• The formation of a hard lump or swelling around your anus 
• Bleeding or pain with bowel movements
• Noticing bright red blood in your stool, in the toilet bowl or on your toilet paper
• Aching pain in the anus, particularly when sitting down
• Prolapsing from the anus (when an internal hemorrhoid pops out of your anal opening. In some cases, a prolapsed hemorrhoid can be repositioned manually. But if you have grade 4 hemorrhoids, indicating the most severe symptom burden, prolapsing may not be resolved without medical intervention.)

Chronic hemorrhoids can also become thrombosed—that means a blood clot has formed inside the swollen vessels. In turn, they may burst, resulting in temporary discomfort and bleeding or, in some cases, prolonged bleeding that requires medical attention.

Treatment Options for Chronic Hemorrhoids

While chronic hemorrhoids can last for over a year without intervention, even the most persistent should respond to treatment. And the treatment option you select will likely be based on the severity of your symptoms.

How to Get Rid of Chronic Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are graded on a scale of 1-4, based on the severity of prolapse. If you have grade 1, you may be able to relieve symptoms and resolve swelling in the blood vessels by changing your lifestyle and using over-the-counter products, even if you have had them for over a year.

Start by drinking more fluids and eating more foods that are rich in fiber. This can help soften your stool, making it easier to pass bowel movements and helping reduce pressure on your lower rectum.

At the same time, while you’re dealing with persistent symptoms, you can relieve itching and discomfort with products such as hemorrhoid creams or soothing witch hazel wipes. Try to limit the amount of time you spend sitting on the toilet, and cleanse yourself gently after passing a bowel movement to reduce irritation in the area.

Once hemorrhoids have been classified as grade 2 or 3, lifestyle measures alone may not provide sufficient symptom relief. In such cases, a medical procedure such as Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) can shrink them by cutting off their blood supply. Performed as an outpatient procedure, without large incisions, general anesthesia or overnight hospital stays, this minimally invasive procedure can provide lasting hemorrhoid relief with less downtime and a reduced risk for complications.

Once you have grade 4 hemorrhoids, you are unlikely to be a candidate for HAE. Instead, you may need to surgically remove them order to resolve symptoms and find lasting relief.

When to See a Doctor for Chronic Hemorrhoids

When hemorrhoid symptoms last longer than a few weeks, or when you experience any type of bleeding from the anus, it’s time to see your healthcare provider and discuss treatment options.

Allowing hemorrhoids to persist without intervention could allow symptoms to progress, leaving you with fewer treatment options. We invite you to request a consultationrequest a consultationrequest a consultation at the Texas Hemorrhoid Institute to explore your candidacy for minimally invasive HAE.