Subscribe
Internal hemorrhoids
Do internal hemorrhoids cause a sensation of falling and swelling in the anus?
Internal hemorrhoids can cause a sensation of fullness or swelling in the anus. Although the main clinical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids are bleeding and prolapse of the hemorrhoidal nodes outside the anus, any stage of internal hemorrhoids can exhibit varying degrees of this sensation. Early to middle stages of internal hemorrhoids typically involve less severe swelling, while in the later stages, when the hemorrhoidal nodes prolapse, the sensation can be significantly more intense, especially after prolonged standing or physical exertion.
What should I do if internal hemorrhoids always bleed?
Internal hemorrhoids refer to the venous clumps located above the dentate line. When these hemorrhoids are injured or ruptured, bleeding during bowel movements occurs, which is the most common primary symptom in patients with internal hemorrhoids. Frequent bleeding from internal hemorrhoids can first be treated conservatively, such as by taking oral hemostatic medications, followed by the local application of hemorrhoid creams, suppositories, and the like. If bleeding consistently persists, surgical treatment may be required. Once internal hemorrhoids present symptoms of bleeding or prolapse, they typically indicate the need for surgery, hence treatment for frequent bleeding in internal hemorrhoids can be either conservative or surgical.
The difference between rectal polyps and internal hemorrhoids
Rectal polyps are skin-like mucosal protrusions that grow on the rectal mucosa, whereas internal hemorrhoids are confined to congestion and protrusion of the mucosa around the dentate line. The formation of rectal polyps is mainly due to long-term stimulation by feces, or certain constitutional and genetic factors, while the most likely cause of internal hemorrhoids is chronic congestion and edema around the anal area or the formation of venous thrombosis, leading to local varicose clusters. After the discovery of rectal polyps, it is necessary to perform surgery as soon as possible; however, the treatment for internal hemorrhoids in the early stages is primarily conservative, aimed at delaying the frequency of disease attacks and improving the quality of life for the patient. If the internal hemorrhoids reach a later stage or become severe, manifested by recurrent prolapse and rectal bleeding, surgical removal is recommended.
Can internal hemorrhoids lead to anemia?
Internal hemorrhoids bleeding easily leads to anemia in patients, especially when internal hemorrhoids bleed frequently and recurrently, or each bleeding episode is relatively severe, potentially causing a trend of decreased blood volume in patients. When blood volume reaches a certain threshold, symptoms of anemia can appear. If the anemia is assessed as mild or moderate, besides using local hemostatic hemorrhoid creams or suppositories, patients can also take oral traditional Chinese medicine that supplements qi and generates blood for symptomatic treatment, to enhance body immunity and physical constitution. If anemia primarily presents as severe, to avoid further exacerbation of anemia or impairment of overall organ functions, it is recommended that patients undergo surgical ligation for hemostasis and, if necessary, blood transfusion. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)
Is bleeding from hemorrhoids internal hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids causing blood in the stool are mostly due to internal hemorrhoids, which are a manifestation of varicose veins in the hemorrhoidal veins. During defecation, because the stool is rather dry and hard, it can easily scratch the hemorrhoidal veins as it moves downward. Due to internal hemorrhoids, the hemorrhoidal veins become distended and the vein walls become very thin, making them easily damaged, thus leading to bleeding. Minor cases may involve blood during defecation or dripping blood, while more severe cases can present with spraying blood during bowel movements. Depending on the amount of bleeding, one should choose treatments such as medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.
Can I exercise more if I have internal hemorrhoids bleeding?
If the patient is in a period of internal hemorrhoids bleeding, it is not advised for the patient to engage in excessive exercise and physical training, as the local mucosa is ruptured and bleeding during this period. Excessive exercise can potentially increase the pressure inside the local blood vessels, thereby increasing the amount of bleeding or worsening the condition. During internal hemorrhoids bleeding, related hemostatic treatments are necessary to prevent anemia from long-term repeated bleeding. Treatment mainly involves oral or topical hemostatic drugs. In terms of exercise and training, it is recommended to primarily walk gently and avoid vigorous exercises. If conservative medication does not effectively treat the bleeding, surgical ligation can also be considered for hemostasis. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)
Can you drink alcohol if you have internal hemorrhoids bleeding?
If a patient experiences internal hemorrhoid bleeding, it is not advisable to drink alcohol during the bleeding period. Alcohol contains excessive amounts of irritating substances. Excessive drinking can cause excessive congestion of the mucous membrane of the internal hemorrhoids, and the already ruptured mucosa may increase the likelihood of further bleeding. Therefore, drinking alcohol during internal hemorrhoid bleeding can increase the amount of bleeding and might even lead to an increase in the size of the hemorrhoids, or the formation of acute edema and thrombosis, worsening the severity of the condition. During the bleeding period of internal hemorrhoids, patients are advised to follow a light diet and may need to further combine this with oral hemostatic medications, or use hemorrhoidal suppositories and hemorrhoid creams for symptomatic hemostasis and anti-swelling treatment. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)
What to do if internal hemorrhoids bleed severely but there is no pain or itching?
If there is severe bleeding from internal hemorrhoids, it is recommended to promptly conduct an anoscopy to determine the exact locations and amount of bleeding. Generally, bleeding from internal hemorrhoids is painless, so it is often underestimated by patients. If the bleeding is heavy or persists for a long time, it is advised that patients undergo surgery as soon as possible to ligate and stop the bleeding, or combine this with oral hemostatic drugs for symptomatic treatment to avoid exacerbation of the bleeding and resulting anemia. Repeated bleeding from internal hemorrhoids can likely lead to varying degrees of anemia. If repeated bleeding occurs, or if the anemia worsens and leads to severe anemia, further treatment with blood transfusions may be necessary to correct the anemia.
The color of the blood from internal hemorrhoids.
Bleeding from internal hemorrhoids is bright red. If the amount of bleeding is substantial, it can appear as a jet-like hemorrhoidal bleeding. This condition is caused by hard and dry stools scratching the hemorrhoidal veins during defecation, leading to bleeding. Repeated bleeding from internal hemorrhoids can cause chronic blood loss and result in symptoms of anemia. It is advisable to actively engage in medication or minimally invasive treatments, using drugs to stop bleeding and constrict hemorrhoidal veins. Some may undergo vein ligation surgery minimally invasively. At the same time, it is important to have a light diet, drink more water, eat more vegetables, and ensure smooth bowel movements.
The hazards of internal hemorrhoids bleeding
Internal hemorrhoids or mixed hemorrhoids are most commonly diagnosed clinically, with prolapse and rectal bleeding being typical symptoms. If internal hemorrhoid bleeding occurs, the choice of treatment depends on the amount and duration of bleeding. Increased bleeding or prolonged bleeding duration requires early conservative medication or surgical ligation to prevent anemia due to local hemorrhoidal bleeding. Prolonged and significant rectal bleeding from internal hemorrhoids primarily endangers the patient by causing a decrease in overall blood volume due to chronic blood loss, leading to anemia. Following anemia, patients may experience symptoms such as palpitations and fatigue due to insufficient blood volume.