Can internal hemorrhoids cause constipation?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 16, 2024
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When internal hemorrhoids flare up, if their size increases and obstructs the anal opening, it can prevent normal defecation or make it difficult, potentially causing symptoms of constipation such as difficulty in defecating or poor bowel movements. Prolonged and recurrent difficulty in defecating can also lead to overly dry stools within the intestinal lumen, further exacerbating symptoms of constipation. Therefore, constipation is one of the most common clinical complications of hemorrhoids. To treat constipation, one can initially choose oral medications that lubricate the intestines and facilitate bowel movements. At the same time, it is essential to actively treat hemorrhoids, reduce the size of the hemorrhoidal tissue, or directly remove both internal and external hemorrhoids, to enable normal expulsion of stool.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Do internal hemorrhoids require surgery?

Surgical indications for internal hemorrhoids include bleeding and prolapse of anal masses. These symptoms necessitate surgical treatment. Secondly, if scheduling surgery is not possible due to being busy, conservative treatment like applying ointment to the anus or taking medication can be used initially to alleviate the symptoms. If conservative treatment fails, it is still not too late to opt for surgery. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Is bleeding from internal hemorrhoids serious?

Bleeding from internal hemorrhoids, also known as rectal bleeding, is a common primary symptom in patients with internal hemorrhoids. Although the bleeding from internal hemorrhoids is painless and not itchy, it occurs during bowel movements and can be either a trickle or a spray of blood. Although the amount of bleeding might not be large and may subside naturally, in clinical practice, we have seen a minority of patients with long-term chronic bleeding leading to severe anemia. For example, the normal hemoglobin level in adults should be 120g/L, but at the time of consultation, their hemoglobin has dropped to 30, 40, or 50g/L. Treatment then requires an initial blood transfusion followed by surgery, which can be quite complicated. Therefore, bleeding from internal hemorrhoids should be taken seriously.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can you drink beer if you have internal hemorrhoids bleeding?

During the bleeding phase of internal hemorrhoids, patients should not drink beer or other alcoholic beverages, nor eat spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers and seafood. This is because both drinking alcohol and consuming spicy, stimulating foods can cause the mucous membrane in the anal area to become congested. If there are any bleeding spots locally, the likelihood and volume of bleeding will be greater than normal. Therefore, further hemostatic treatment is necessary during the bleeding period. If alcohol is consumed, the volume of bleeding will increase and the severity of the bleeding condition will become worse. It is recommended that patients use external hemorrhoid creams for hemostasis, or take oral hemostatic drugs for symptomatic treatment. If the bleeding is substantial or the condition is not under control, further surgical treatment may be needed. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
56sec home-news-image

Can internal hemorrhoids cause constipation?

When internal hemorrhoids flare up, if their size increases and obstructs the anal opening, it can prevent normal defecation or make it difficult, potentially causing symptoms of constipation such as difficulty in defecating or poor bowel movements. Prolonged and recurrent difficulty in defecating can also lead to overly dry stools within the intestinal lumen, further exacerbating symptoms of constipation. Therefore, constipation is one of the most common clinical complications of hemorrhoids. To treat constipation, one can initially choose oral medications that lubricate the intestines and facilitate bowel movements. At the same time, it is essential to actively treat hemorrhoids, reduce the size of the hemorrhoidal tissue, or directly remove both internal and external hemorrhoids, to enable normal expulsion of stool.