If you’re part of the 5% of the population that deals with hemorrhoids, it’s very likely that you have experienced recurring hemorrhoids, an annoying condition that can be quite uncomfortable. In this post, we’ll take a look at the causes of recurring hemorrhoids, and answer two common questions that our patients here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay ask our colorectal specialists all the time: do hemorrhoids ever fully go away, and is it normal for hemorrhoids to come and go?
What Are the Causes of Recurring Hemorrhoids?
Unfortunately, if a patient does not address the underlying cause of their hemorrhoids, recurring flare-ups and complications can become a normal part of life. Furthermore, repeat flare-ups of these annoying little thrombosed veins can cause complications for many. As with any recurring condition, it’s best to address the root cause that is leading to your symptoms. With hemorrhoids, those causes tend to include:
Pushing too hard during bowel movements
Standing or sitting for too long without varying your movement
Eating a diet too low in fiber
Persistent constipation or diarrhea
Performing heavy lifting too often
Pregnancy and recently having given birth
Now, obviously some of these factors you may have little control over. However, you can reduce your risk for re-developing hemorrhoids by increasing your intake of fiber and water, and stopping the excess straining during bowel movements. If you are constantly constipated, try taking a stool softener while you wait for the benefits of increasing your fiber intake. If you have constant diarrhea, take an anti-diarrheal for a little while.
Is it Normal For Hemorrhoids to Come and Go?
As mentioned above, there are a handful of causes that may be contributing to hemorrhoid flare-ups. However, this isn’t something that you should have to deal with on a regular basis. If you can’t get your hemorrhoids to go away, it’s time to talk to a colorectal specialist.
Do Hemorrhoids Ever Fully Go Away?
Realistically, if you remove all of the contributing factors, your hemorrhoids should subside and symptoms should cease. Unless something has caused permanent damage to the tissue around and inside the anal canal, hemorrhoids can be defeated.
How Can I Prevent My Hemorrhoids from Recurring?
#1: Take a Look at Your Diet
Since bowel movements are the result of what a patient ingests, it makes sense that altering or augmenting the diet can have an effect on hemorrhoids. It is often recommended that patients increase both their intake of fiber and water if they are struggling with hemorrhoids. This is because both fiber and water will help bulk up your stool and make it easier to pass - hopefully eliminating the need for painful pushing. A normal bowel movement should not require straining or pushing.
#2: Try to Alternate and Balance Activity Types
For example, sitting all day will increase the risk that you will develop recurring hemorrhoids. Similarly, standing all day will do the same. Try to vary your movements throughout the day, including walking, sitting, lying down, and more. A body that moves is healthier in general, but it can also reduce the rate at which you develop painful hemorrhoids.
#3: Address Your Diarrhea and/or Constipation
As mentioned above, a normal bowel movement should not require straining. Furthermore, most patients know when their stool is too loose. Take a look at what you’ve been eating, but don’t just wait for diarrhea and constipation to resolve; the time it takes for this to happen might be enough time for hemorrhoids to develop. As soon as you notice symptoms of diarrhea, take anti-diarrheal medication; likewise, as soon as you notice constipation, take a stool softener.
#4: If You Have a Problem Area, Surgery May Help
Unfortunately, some hemorrhoids simply recur because the tissue surrounding the blood vessel is sensitive or damaged. In this case, surgery may be the only real way to prevent a hemorrhoid from recuring in that spot. Talk to your colorectal specialist about your condition and see if this is an option for you.
#5: Talk to Your Doctor Throughout the Whole Process
While hemorrhoids may not be your favorite topic to discuss with your doctor, it’s still important that you do so. Your doctor may have recommendations for you that you may not think of, or he or she may recognize something in your diet or lifestyle that could be altered to a positive effect.
Hemorrhoid Treatment in Tampa Bay
If you’ve tried everything, including natural remedies, and can’t seem to get your condition under control, it may be time to see a specialist. Whether your doctor has referred you out to a specialist or you are seeking one of your own volition, the team at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay is here to help you get to the bottom of your hemorrhoid woes. Schedule an appointment with us today!