Enlarged veins in the rectum due to increased pressure from straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for long, or any other reason are known as hemorrhoids. Also known as piles, they cause no symptoms for some people. However, some might experience itching, burning, bleeding, and even discomfort.
You may not realize the red spots of blood after wiping could be due to hemorrhoids. So, do hemorrhoids bleed? In this blog, you will learn all about bleeding hemorrhoids and what to do.
Why Do Hemorrhoids Bleed?
Yes, hemorrhoids do bleed. When you strain or pass a hard stool, it can damage the surface of the hemorrhoid, which results in bleeding. The color of the blood from the hemorrhoid will appear bright red on a piece of toilet paper. Whether you have an internal, external, or thrombosed hemorrhoid, it can bleed. Moreover, thrombosed hemorrhoids sometimes burst in case it becomes too full.
Internal and external hemorrhoids can both turn into thrombosed hemorrhoids since the blood clot develops inside the vein. Although they aren’t generally considered dangerous, you may experience severe pain and inflammation.
How To Treat Bleeding Hemorrhoids
If the wall of a hemorrhoid is irritated or damaged, it will result in bleeding. It may resolve on its own, but you can still speed up the recovery by trying several things at home. Keep in mind, though, that if the bleeding still continues after a week or if the source of the bleeding is unknown, it is better to consult a doctor right away.
- At-Home Treatment
You can start by gently cleaning the area and reducing inflammation after you have been diagnosed with hemorrhoids. Here are some ways you can treat hemorrhoids at home:- Sitz Bath: Soak your anal region in a few inches of warm water; you can add Epsom salt for added relief.
- Moist Wipes: Normal toilet paper might irritate the hemorrhoids due to its rough nature. Therefore, using fragrance-free moist towelette might be more convenient.
- Witch Hazel: Using toilet paper with witch hazel or witch hazel pads might reduce inflammation and soothe the area.
- Cold Pack: Take a cold pack, wrap it in a towel, and sit on it to reduce inflammation. Make sure you do not apply it for more than 20 minutes.
- No Long Toilet Sessions: Avoid sitting on the toilet for a long period of time, as it can put extra pressure on the hemorrhoids.
- OTC Products: Use OTC products as instructed for relief within a week.
- Medical Treatments
You may have to resort to trying a medical treatment for hemorrhoids in case the home remedies do not work. These include the following:- Rubber Band Ligation: The specialist will apply a tiny rubber band to the base of internal hemorrhoid, which restricts blood flow. In 3 to 10 days, the pile will fall off.
- Sclerotherapy: A medial solution is injected into hemorrhoid over the course of a few weeks, with similar results to rubber band ligation.
- Bipolar, Infrared, or Laser Coagulation: Internal hemorrhoid loses its blood supply, which stops hemorrhoid bleeding. In a couple of weeks, the pile gradually withers away.
- Electrocoagulation: An electric current helps dry up hemorrhoids, which creates scar tissue. Eventually, the hemorrhoid falls off.
Takeaway
Pressure to the rectum causes hemorrhoids, and further pressure or irritation might result in bleeding. However, there are multiple ways to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid. At Gastroenterology, our team offers the best solutions to your health concerns. Dial (281) 357 1977 to get treated today or visit our experts at 421 School St., Suite 110, Tomball, TX 77375.