Hemorrhoids


What should I do if hemorrhoids are bleeding?
Hemorrhoids that bleed should be treated to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. The common clinical symptoms of hemorrhoids mainly include localized bleeding, repeated prolapse of the internal part of the anus, and pain. Early bleeding can be managed with oral hemostatic medications, application of hemorrhoidal creams to the anal area, and use of anal plugs with thrombotic agents for comprehensive treatment, for minor bleeding. The symptoms can be relieved with medications. However, if the bleeding lasts long or if there is a greater amount of bleeding from mucous membranes and the bleeding points are fragile, further surgical ligation may be necessary to stop the bleeding. Common surgical methods mainly include excision of mixed hemorrhoids, internal ligation, or hemorrhoid banding procedure, and can also be combined with submucosal sclerotherapy injections.


Can hemorrhoidal ointment be used for bleeding hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids bleeding needs to be assessed based on the amount of bleeding and the duration of bleeding to determine different treatment methods. If the bleeding is minimal and short-lived, mostly noticed on toilet paper, one can opt for oral hemostatic medications or apply hemorrhoidal cream with hemostatic effects around the anus. However, if the bleeding is significant or persists for a long time, and each bleeding episode appears as dripping or jetting, to further prevent the occurrence of anemia, it is advisable to directly undergo surgical ligation to stop the bleeding, avoiding repeated bleeding episodes that could lead to anemia and further impact body functions.


What color is the blood in hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are mainly divided into internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids can cause rectal bleeding, the color of which is bright red. If the hemorrhoids are severe, then the amount of bleeding can be significant. Internal hemorrhoids mainly present with painless rectal bleeding, usually occurring after defecation. It is necessary to go to the hospital's proctology department timely for an anoscopy. Mild cases can be treated with medications for hemorrhoids and topical ointments, while severe cases may require surgical treatment. It is important to rest frequently, drink plenty of water, avoid sitting for long periods, eat less spicy food, and also avoid smoking and alcohol.


Hemorrhoids, are they cancer?
Hemorrhoids are not cancer; they are a benign and common local disease of the anus. The main cause is due to the displacement of the anal cushion or the formation of varicose veins and thrombi in the local mucosal tissue, leading to protrusion, swelling, and even pain and bleeding of the local mucosa. Hemorrhoids are a common proctological disease, with an incidence rate of about 60% among adults, primarily influenced by poor dietary and defecation habits. Therefore, to prevent the onset of hemorrhoids, it is recommended to avoid overly spicy and irritating foods and to keep bowel movements under ten minutes to prevent overly dry stools.


What to eat when hemorrhoids bleed?
When symptoms of bleeding occur in hemorrhoids, it is generally necessary to first carry out symptomatic treatment with oral hemostatic medications and local anal suppository for hemorrhoids. Simple bleeding or minor bleeding can be alleviated by oral medication or conservative topical drugs. If the bleeding hemorrhoids are accompanied by recurrent protrusion of internal masses or severe anal pain, in addition to oral hemostatic drugs, it is also necessary to combine surgical ligation or internal hemorrhoidal banding for hemostasis, and if necessary, combined with internal sclerosant mucosal injection for comprehensive treatment. When patients with hemorrhoids bleed, it is generally advised to eat liquid food and avoid hard textured food, and certainly not to eat spicy and irritating food.


How to alleviate hemorrhoidal bleeding
For hemorrhoid bleeding, it is first necessary to determine the degree of bleeding. If it is mild hemorrhoid bleeding, it can generally be managed with the use of hemorrhoid suppositories to compress and stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is more severe, oral hemostatic medications can be taken. If relief is still not achieved, it is recommended to seek treatment at the hospital's colorectal surgery or gastroenterological surgery departments. If hemorrhoid-induced bleeding occurs frequently and with a large amount each time, it is advisable to consider hemorrhoid surgery as soon as possible. Hemorrhoid bleeding is caused by the tortuous dilation of the inferior rectal venous plexus, which can be injured and cause bleeding either in cases of hard stools or when hemorrhoid symptoms are severe. In the operating room, the diseased vessels need to be removed to fundamentally resolve the cause of the bleeding.


Do hemorrhoids cause a lot of bleeding during bowel movements?
In clinical settings, most patients with hemorrhoids experience constipation, which can cause certain damage to the intestines, especially when the symptoms of hemorrhoids are pronounced, often leading to bleeding. This condition is generally related to local mucosal damage or ulcers. However, as long as bleeding is promptly controlled, it generally does not affect one's healthy life. Therefore, there is no need to worry. When problems with hemorrhoids occur, it is essential to address the symptoms appropriately. Of course, if the condition persists for a long time, considering surgical solutions is also an option, which, however, may result in a slower recovery. Thus, it’s important to maintain regular bowel movements to avoid such embarrassing issues. Additionally, performing regular pelvic floor exercises or improving dietary habits, such as incorporating whole grains or high-fiber foods, can help regulate and prevent frequent recurrence of hemorrhoids.


What should pregnant women with hemorrhoids eat?
If pregnant women suffer from hemorrhoids, they should correct some unhealthy dietary habits. It's important to eat more foods rich in fiber, as high-fiber foods often accelerate intestinal peristalsis to alleviate constipation. In daily life, one can eat more celery, cabbage, and fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, pears, and dragon fruit, which are all good choices. Additionally, consuming more coarsely processed foods, which are also rich in nutrients and dietary fiber, is suitable for pregnant women with hemorrhoids to ensure smooth bowel movements.


Is it scary to have bleeding hemorrhoids?
Firstly, hemorrhoids are soft venous masses formed by the dilation and excessive twisting of veins under the mucous membrane and the skin at the end of the rectum. During defecation, the stool rubs against the raised twisted veins, and the straining during defecation causes increased pressure on these vessels, leading to rupturing of the hemorrhoidal veins and resulting in bleeding with the stools. If the amount of bleeding is significant, it can lead to symptoms like anemia and dizziness. If the bleeding is minor, it generally does not pose a problem. Therefore, if there is a case of hemorrhoidal bleeding, it is best to visit the colorectal surgery department of a hospital for a proper diagnosis and, if necessary, surgical treatment can be performed to prevent recurrence of the bleeding.


What causes hemorrhoids to bleed?
Internal hemorrhoids can easily cause rectal bleeding. The main reason is the varicosity of hemorrhoidal veins. During defecation, dry and hard stools scratch the hemorrhoidal veins causing them to rupture and bleed. Additionally, due to the long-term presence of hemorrhoids, the hemorrhoidal veins become overstretched, making the vein walls thin and fragile, and easily damaged during bowel movements. For hemorrhoid-induced rectal bleeding, treatment can be administered through medications aimed primarily at reducing bleeding symptoms and alleviating the varicosity of the hemorrhoidal veins. Sitz baths can also be used to reduce swelling around the anus. If medication provides limited relief, minimally invasive or surgical treatments may be considered.