Can internal hemorrhoids heal on their own?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 01, 2024
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To determine whether internal hemorrhoids bleeding is self-healing, one should primarily assess the amount of bleeding and the duration of bleeding to further evaluate the severity of the condition. If it is the first occurrence or if the bleeding is mostly noticeable on toilet paper and is relatively minor, self-healing of internal hemorrhoids bleeding can be achieved through lubrication of the stool during defecation and, if necessary, oral administration of cooling blood-stopping medications. However, if the bleeding duration is prolonged, or if the amount of bleeding is significant each time, it is unlikely to achieve complete healing simply through lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, or even medication. Further surgical ligation and hemostasis treatment may be required for the patient.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do if internal hemorrhoids have been bleeding for several days?

If internal hemorrhoids have been bleeding continuously for several days, and the bleeding is substantial, it is advisable to promptly undertake active hemostasis treatment. Common treatments for bleeding internal hemorrhoids mainly include taking oral hemostatic medication, or using suppositories and ointments for hemorrhoids to actively stop the bleeding. However, conservative treatment can only provide temporary relief of symptoms. If after treatment, the patient does not pay attention to a light diet or good bowel habits, there may also be a recurrence of hemorrhoid bleeding. If the bleeding is already severe, and there is a possibility of serious anemia, it is advised to perform a local internal hemorrhoid ligation surgery as soon as possible to prevent anemia or exacerbate the severity of the disease. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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

The clinical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids are numerous, and surgery is only recommended if the internal hemorrhoids frequently recur, or if the clinical symptoms are severe. Severe internal hemorrhoids are primarily characterized by substantial rectal bleeding or recurrent prolapses, and due to repeated prolapses, friction on the local mucosa may even cause anal pain. A severe symptom of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids is that after each prolapse, the patient needs to manually reposition them, accompanied by jet-like or dripping fresh red rectal bleeding. Surgical methods for internal hemorrhoids mainly include hemorrhoidectomy with ligation or local injection of sclerosing agents.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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What are the symptoms of internal hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids are a common condition in proctology, clinically characterized primarily by intermittent, painless rectal bleeding. The blood is bright red, often appearing in a jetting or dripping pattern after defecation or on toilet paper during wiping. Simultaneously, the clinical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids vary with their stages. For instance, grade I internal hemorrhoids mainly exhibit intermittent rectal bleeding without any prolapse of anal materials. Grade II internal hemorrhoids show symptoms of intermittent rectal bleeding accompanied by prolapse of anal materials, which can spontaneously reduce. Grade III internal hemorrhoids are characterized by prolapsed anal materials that cannot reduce on their own and require manual intervention. This stage also involves rectal bleeding. Grade IV internal hemorrhoids are the most severe, presenting with irreducible prolapsed materials that can become trapped or may protrude during coughing or walking. Rectal bleeding is also a symptom. Surgical treatment is essential for grade IV internal hemorrhoids.

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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 Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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The difference between rectal prolapse and internal hemorrhoids prolapse

Rectal prolapse primarily refers to the prolapse of the rectal mucosa or part of the sigmoid colon mucosa, partially or completely falling out of the anus. Generally, there is a ring-shaped or cylindrical mucosa protrusion outside the anus. Internal hemorrhoid prolapse involves the partial prolapse of the mucosa near the dentate line, typically appearing as small lumps or accompanied by local venous thrombosis and varicose clusters, with rectal prolapse being more severe than internal hemorrhoid prolapse. The treatment of rectal prolapse mainly involves surgery, while early stages of internal hemorrhoid prolapse can be treated with medications. This involves using topical hemorrhoid creams or suppositories to alleviate symptoms. If there are recurrent prolapses or accompanying bleeding during bowel movements, surgical treatment may also be considered. Surgical methods for rectal prolapse primarily involve local mucosal ring excision, whereas surgeries for internal hemorrhoids mainly include hemorrhoid ligation or banding procedures.