Precautions for Internal Hemorrhoids Bleeding

Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on December 29, 2024
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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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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.)

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Do internal hemorrhoids need treatment?

Internal hemorrhoids require active treatment. If not actively treated, internal hemorrhoids may prolapse and worsen, or bleeding may intensify. This can lead to severe local symptoms and potentially develop from early-stage symptoms that are mild, into more severe cases that may only be significantly improved through surgery. The treatment methods for internal hemorrhoids primarily involve the use of topical and oral medications. When prolapse or severe swelling occurs, patients can take oral medications that clear heat, cool the blood, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain, specifically for hemorrhoids. These should be combined with local anal suppositories for symptomatic treatment. For cases accompanied by bleeding, oral hemostatic medications can be administered. If the prolapse is substantial, or if the internal hemorrhoids cannot retract back into the anus, surgical removal is recommended. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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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How many days will it take for internal hemorrhoids to heal after prolapse?

If a patient exhibits prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, it is first recommended that a professional proctologist reposition the prolapsed hemorrhoids. If prolapse continues to recur after repositioning, the likelihood of spontaneous recovery is low, and the patient will likely need further surgical treatment. Prolapse is a common clinical symptom of hemorrhoids. If it is a simple prolapse that can retract spontaneously, symptoms can be relieved within 3 to 5 days after medication treatment. However, if the prolapse requires manual repositioning by the patient, or if it recurs repeatedly, surgical removal is necessary. Recovery from the surgery typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Can internal hemorrhoids burst by themselves?

Internal hemorrhoids that prolapse should not be burst forcibly. As internal hemorrhoids are located at the anus, they are continuously exposed to contaminants from fecal and secretion matter over time. If the prolapsed hemorrhoids burst, it could lead to local infections and even necrosis. Therefore, do not burst prolapsed hemorrhoids, but rather, try to push them back into the anus. If they cannot be reinserted, it is recommended to opt for surgical treatment early to avoid rupture or strangulated edema, which can lead to swelling, pain, or necrosis in the anal area. Surgical options include hemorrhoidal banding, PPH, or TST procedures. Post-surgery, treatments may include the use of anal washes, red ointment gauze, aureomycin ointment, etc. Moreover, patients should eat a light diet, maintain smooth bowel movements, and regularly perform pelvic floor exercises.