Hemorrhoids is a condition characterized by swollen veins in the rectal and anal canal and it affects about 4.4% of the American population. If Hemorrhoids Bleeding a Lot – What Should You Do? This article will tell you what causes the bleeding, how long it lasts, the treatment, and how you can prevent rectal bleeding.
Rectal bleeding can occur for several reasons and the most common reasons are hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Hemorrhoids
Rectal bleeding in hemorrhoids occurs when you pass really hard stool and it scrapes the surface of a hemorrhoid in the rectum (internal hemorrhoid). This sort of bleeding is painless because the rectum doesn’t have any pain sensory receptors. Bleeding from hemorrhoids in the anus (external hemorrhoids), on the other hand, is painful because the anus has pain sensory receptors.
Bleeding also occurs when a thrombosed hemorrhoid bursts due to pent up pressure. A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot is formed inside a hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid fills up with blood to a point that it has to burst to release pressure. The bleeding should only last a few seconds or minutes and it’ll stop. A thrombosed hemorrhoid can be an internal or external hemorrhoid so if an internal thrombosed hemorrhoid bleeds, it results in rectal bleeding.
Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are tears, splits, or cuts on the sensitive mucosal lining of the anal canal. It’s very painful especially when moving your bowels and afterward. An anal fissure is an injury so it results in bleeding. You will notice the bright red blood in the toilet that is separate from your stool or on the tissue paper when you wipe.
Anal fissures are caused by traumas to the anus or anal canal which may be due to passing very hard stool, inflammatory bowel disease, anal intercourse, pregnancy, colon malignancy, making hard and large movements, obesity, sitting for too long, rectal surgery, and anal infection.
Other Causes
While hemorrhoids and anal fissures account for most cases of rectal bleeding, other less common but potentially more serious conditions can also be responsible. These include anal, rectal, or colon cancer, which may present with persistent or unexplained bleeding; Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition; radiation therapy effects; ulcerative colitis; solitary rectal ulcer syndrome; colon polyps; frequent diarrhea; or proctitis (inflammation of the rectal lining). If the bleeding is severe or accompanied by other alarming symptoms, it’s critical to consider these possibilities and seek medical evaluation.
Experiencing excessive rectal bleeding can be alarming and may indicate a problem more severe than typical hemorrhoids or anal fissures. While minor bleeding from these conditions is common and often resolves on its own, significant or persistent blood loss could signal something more serious, such as colorectal or anal cancer.
If you notice that the bleeding is heavy, doesn’t stop quickly, or is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, weakness, or abdominal pain, it’s imperative to seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare professional can perform diagnostic tests—such as a colonoscopy or physical examination—to identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Acting promptly can make a significant difference in outcomes, especially if the bleeding stems from a condition requiring urgent intervention.
In most cases, bleeding from hemorrhoids or anal fissures is short-lived, typically stopping within a few minutes once the irritation or pressure subsides. For instance, bleeding caused by a hard stool scraping a hemorrhoid or a thrombosed hemorrhoid bursting usually resolves quickly as the body naturally clots the area. However, if the bleeding persists beyond 10 minutes, becomes profuse, or leads to symptoms like lightheadedness or fainting, this is a red flag.
Prolonged bleeding could indicate a larger tear, a clotting issue, or a more serious underlying condition, all of which warrant immediate medical consultation. Monitoring the duration and intensity of the bleeding can help you decide when it’s time to move beyond home care and involve a doctor.
Fortunately, both hemorrhoids and anal fissures can often be managed effectively at home with natural remedies or over-the-counter solutions, offering relief without the need for invasive procedures.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera gel is a powerful ally in treating hemorrhoids. Its ability to reduce inflammation, irritation, and pain while promoting faster healing makes it ideal for application to swollen veins. Simply apply pure aloe vera gel to the affected area for relief. Find the product here.
Coconut Oil
Coconut: This natural moisturizer can alleviate the dryness and irritation often associated with hemorrhoids. By applying coconut oil, you can reduce pain and prevent excessive scratching, which might worsen the condition or cause further injury. Find the product here.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, witch hazel is excellent for easing the discomfort of hemorrhoids. It helps reduce swelling, itching, pain, and even minor bleeding when applied topically. Find the product here.
Epsom Salts Bath
A warm bath with Epsom salts: Soaking in a warm bath infused with Epsom salts for 15-20 minutes can work wonders. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salts helps relax muscles, reduce swelling, and relieve itching or irritation, providing a calming effect on hemorrhoids.
Amoil’s H-Hemorrhoids Formula Oil
The H-Hemorrhoid Formula is 100% natural oil that can be used on all types of hemorrhoids to reduce pain and inflammation. It works fast and it doesn’t leave behind any harmful side effects.
Warm Soak
Sitting in warm water for 15-20 minutes at a time has many benefits for anal fissures. It soothes the pain, improves blood circulation and so promotes healing, and relaxes the sphincter muscles so no more injuries occur during bowel movement. You can use a sitz bath for the soak or a very clean bathtub. You can also add Epsom salts to make the remedy more effective.
Stool Softeners
You can purchase stool softeners over-the-counter and take them to make passing stool much easier. They work by pulling water into the digestive tract to soften stool. They are made in liquid, tablet, or capsule form.
Eat More Fiber
Fiber softens stool and adds bulk to it so passing stool becomes less traumatic and prevents further injury. Foods you can eat to get enough fiber include beans, bran cereal, wheat bran, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, and avocado. Read more HERE.
Drink Water
Drinking enough water will prevent constipation by softening the stool. Drink at least 6 cups of water daily and food with high water content like cabbage, tomato, cucumber, broccoli, lettuce, and fruits.
Amoil’s H-Fissure Formula Oil
The H-Fissure Formula allows you to treat anal fissures without resorting to prescription medicine and surgery. It’s made of natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties so it will ease pain, swelling, and discomfort. It also has healing agents so it will speed up the healing process of the fissures.Â
Preventing rectal bleeding largely involves adopting habits that reduce the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids or anal fissures in the first place. Here are some practical steps:
Avoid Straining - Excessive straining during bowel movements is a primary cause of both conditions. Instead of forcing a movement, wait for the natural urge to pass stool and go promptly to avoid it hardening, which makes it more difficult and painful to expel later.
Eat more Fiber and Drink More Water - A diet high in fiber combined with adequate hydration ensures stools remain soft and bulky, preventing constipation and the subsequent strain that leads to hemorrhoids or fissures.
Exercise - Exercising improves your digestive function and bowel movement so it prevents constipation. Exercises like aerobics, yoga, swimming, walking, and running will do you a lot of good.
Avoid Sitting for Too Long - Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the veins in the anal region, potentially worsening hemorrhoids or causing fissures. Take breaks to stand, walk, or lie down periodically to relieve this pressure.
Bleeding from hemorrhoids or anal fissures is typically a manageable issue that doesn’t pose a severe threat to your health, and it can often be addressed with simple, effective home remedies like aloe vera, coconut oil, or specialized natural oils. These treatments can alleviate symptoms and promote healing without the need for medical intervention in most cases. However, when bleeding becomes excessive, lasts longer than expected, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms like dizziness or significant pain, it’s crucial to seek professional medical help immediately, as it could indicate a more serious condition such as cancer or a chronic disease. By understanding the causes, knowing how to respond, and taking preventive measures—like maintaining a fiber-rich diet, staying active, and avoiding strain—you can minimize the risk of rectal bleeding and maintain better overall rectal health. Proactive care and timely action are key to managing this condition effectively and ensuring your peace of mind.
Disclaimer: healyourhemorrhoids.com is not a doctor; please consult one.
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