Is bleeding from internal hemorrhoids serious?

Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on December 12, 2024
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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 internal hemorrhoids heal on their own?

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 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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Precautions for Internal Hemorrhoids Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is the primary clinical manifestation of internal hemorrhoids. When rectal bleeding occurs, it's essential first to rule out whether the bleeding is definitely from internal hemorrhoids because rectal bleeding can be caused by many diseases, including malignant tumors. Once it's determined that the bleeding is from internal hemorrhoids, it is important to pay attention to whether the volume of blood is large, the duration of bleeding is long, and the frequency of bleeding is high, and whether there is frequent or daily bleeding. If so, it will exceed the body's ability to replenish blood through its hematopoietic function, leading to severe systemic anemia.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Will internal hemorrhoids be painful?

If internal hemorrhoids experience local mucosal rupture or repeated prolapse leading to friction of the mucosa, it is likely to cause pain and even bleeding. To avoid pain caused by internal hemorrhoids, it is recommended that patients use hemorrhoid suppositories for local administration in the rectum for early flare-ups to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and cool and stop bleeding. If internal hemorrhoids prolapse and cannot retract back into the anal canal on their own after each prolapse, it is suggested that patients consider surgery to ligate and excise the affected internal hemorrhoids, or inject sclerosants under the mucosa of the hemorrhoids to cause local mucosal consolidation and shedding. Patients with internal hemorrhoids are advised not to strain excessively during bowel movements to avoid worsening local congestion and edema.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do if the internal hemorrhoids bleeding is very severe?

Internal hemorrhoids bleeding, also known as rectal bleeding, is the main clinical manifestation in patients with internal hemorrhoids. In clinical practice, we often see a minority of patients with internal hemorrhoids experiencing long-term chronic bleeding, which can lead to severe anemia. In our clinical practice, the normal hemoglobin level in adults is 120g/L, but some patients are found to have hemoglobin levels of 30-40g/L upon consultation, indicating severe anemia. Therefore, these patients need to receive blood transfusions first, followed by surgical treatment.