Consequences of hemorrhoids bleeding

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Rectal bleeding, commonly seen in cases of hemorrhoids, usually appears as bright red blood. The bleeding is not mixed with the stool but is excreted along with it from the anus. Minor hemorrhoid bleeding can cause local anal itching. When the bleeding is heavy or prolonged, it can lead to a significant loss of blood volume, resulting in anemia in the patient. Anemia can then lead to other systemic diseases and problems. Therefore, it is important to treat hemorrhoid bleeding early. Treatment options include oral hemostatic medications combined with the topical application of hemorrhoid cream to stop the bleeding.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Do hemorrhoids require surgery?

When severe hemorrhoids are in an acute attack phase, it is necessary to undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible. Besides surgery, treatment options for hemorrhoids also include conservative medication to alleviate symptoms. For mild hemorrhoids, or those that flare up less frequently, the primary treatment is conservative topical medication. However, when hemorrhoids repeatedly prolapse, cause pain, and result in significant rectal bleeding, affecting the normal functioning of the patient’s body, it is advised to promptly proceed with hemorrhoidectomy surgery. This helps avoid complications such as severe pain that interferes with normal living, or significant bleeding that could lead to anemia in patients, thereby worsening the condition and increasing the difficulty of future treatments. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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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.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What's causing hemorrhoids to itch?

Hemorrhoids cause secretions to flow out from within the anal canal, particularly in the case of internal hemorrhoids. When severe, these secretions can flow outside the anus due to changes in the position of the anus or the patient's body, irritating the local skin and mucosa around the anus, thus leading to symptoms of itching. Additionally, with repeated prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, the mucosa may get trapped at the anal opening and cannot retract normally, also causing irritating itching and possibly even pain and bleeding due to repeated friction. To treat the itching from hemorrhoids, it is first necessary to alleviate the increased secretion from internal hemorrhoids. Options include using anti-inflammatory suppositories or gels, and washing the anal area with saline water or herbal washes that have antipruritic effects.