Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. They are very common, affecting nearly 50% of people at some point in their lifetime. Symptoms of piles include bleeding, itching, swelling, irritation, and pain. Piles can be internal or external depending on their location. While piles sometimes go away on their own, they often come back if the underlying cause is not addressed. This article will explore how long it typically takes for piles to go away and provide an overview of treatment options.
What are the stages of piles?
There are 4 stages of piles:
Stage 1
At stage 1, the piles are still inside the anus and can’t be seen or felt. At this point, there may be some bleeding during bowel movements.
Stage 2
At stage 2, the piles may start to protrude out of the anus during bowel movements but will return back inside on their own afterwards. There may be more bleeding and some mucus discharge.
Stage 3
At stage 3, the piles protrude out during bowel movements and have to be pushed back in manually. They may bleed more significantly. This stage is often painful.
Stage 4
At stage 4, the piles are permanently prolapsed outside the anus and can’t be pushed back in. There is usually pain, swelling, and discharge. Bleeding may also worsen.
How long for piles to heal naturally?
The time it takes for piles to heal depends on the stage:
| Stage | Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 1-2 weeks |
| Stage 2 | 2-4 weeks |
| Stage 3 | 4-8 weeks |
| Stage 4 | Usually requires treatment |
As you can see from the table, the more advanced the stage, the longer piles tend to persist without treatment. Here is an overview:
- Stage 1 piles may heal within 1-2 weeks.
- Stage 2 piles may take 2-4 weeks to resolve.
- Stage 3 piles tend to take 4-8 weeks to go away.
- Stage 4 piles are unlikely to heal on their own and usually require treatment.
However, even if piles resolve on their own initially, they tend to come back unless the underlying cause is addressed. The most common causes include:
- Chronic constipation and straining
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Low fiber diet
- Heavy lifting
- Prolonged sitting on the toilet
Making lifestyle changes to address these root causes can help prevent piles from recurring after they’ve healed.
How long do piles take to go with treatment?
There are many treatment options available for piles that can speed up healing time. Here’s an overview of common treatments and how long piles tend to take to resolve with each one:
Over-the-counter remedies
Over-the-counter creams, ointments, pads, and suppositories may provide symptom relief, but don’t treat the underlying cause. Piles may come back quickly after stopping these products.
Lifestyle changes
Simple lifestyle measures like increasing dietary fiber, staying hydrated, exercising, and losing excess weight may help prevent constipation and straining. This can help piles heal within a few weeks in mild cases, but more time is usually needed for complete resolution.
Medications
Prescription medications like lactulose and stool softeners can ease constipation and straining to aid healing. Piles may resolve within 1-2 weeks with medication use.
Rubber band ligation
Rubber bands can be placed around internal hemorrhoids to cut off their blood supply. The hemorrhoid then shrivels and falls off within 1 week. This procedure has a faster recovery than surgery.
Sclerotherapy
A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid to shrink it. Piles may heal within 3-6 weeks with sclerotherapy.
Infrared coagulation
A device applies gentle heat to internal hemorrhoids to stop bleeding and allow healing. Piles typically resolve within 3-4 weeks.
Hemorrhoidectomy
Surgery under anesthesia removes excessive hemorrhoidal tissue. Recovery takes 2-4 weeks but can be painful. Recurrence rate is low.
As you can see, medical treatments and procedures can significantly decrease the time it takes for piles to heal compared to natural healing. The right option depends on pile grade, symptoms, and individual factors.
Tips to help piles heal faster
Aside from treatment, there are also some self-care measures that may help piles resolve more quickly:
- Get more fiber – Aim for 25-30g daily from foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of fluids – Water keeps stools soft and prevents constipation.
- Try sitz baths – 10-15 minutes in warm water can relieve swelling and discomfort.
- Use witch hazel – It has astringent properties to soothe irritation.
- Take OTC pain relievers – Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can temporarily relieve pain.
- Avoid straining – Prevent constipation through diet, hydration, exercise, and going when needed.
- Rest after bowel movements – Sitting puts pressure on hemorrhoids.
- Keep the area clean – Bathe gently and pat dry to prevent infection.
- Wear comfortable clothing – Tight clothes can chafe and irritate piles.
- Apply cold compresses – Ice packs can relieve swelling for short-term relief.
Making simple lifestyle changes and following these tips can help reduce pile symptoms and promote faster healing, especially when combined with medical treatment.
When to see a doctor
Most early stage piles can be managed effectively with home treatment. However, see your doctor if:
- Piles last more than 1-2 weeks without improvement
- You experience severe pain or swelling
- There is significant bleeding
- Piles do not return inside the anus on their own
- You have signs of infection like fever, increased pain, or pus/discharge
- Your daily activities are impaired by pile symptoms
Your doctor can diagnose the precise grade of your piles and recommend appropriate treatment options. Procedures like banding, sclerotherapy, or surgery may be necessary for grades 3-4 piles to heal properly.
Conclusion
In summary, the healing time for piles can range from 1-8 weeks without treatment depending on the stage. While early piles may resolve with home care alone, advanced piles usually require medical treatment to heal fully. Lifestyle measures to prevent constipation are key to stopping recurrence. See your doctor promptly if piles persist beyond 2 weeks or cause major symptoms. With the right approach, bothersome piles can often be cleared up in just a matter of weeks.