An Overview of Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are the name given to the condition where the blood vessels that are located in the lower rectal area swell up. This leads to a lot of discomfort to the victim, along with pain, irritation and itching.

In several cases, it has also been known to cause bleeding in the rectal area, when passing stool. This is known as bleeding hemorrhoids. However, relief from this uncomfortable situation is available in the form of various different treatment methods in the market. 

What Causes Bleeding Hemorrhoids? 

Contrary to what most people believe, bleeding hemorrhoids is not caused by external hemorrhoids, but rather internal ones. In other cases of hemorrhoids, bleeding can result from a tear in the skin. But the kind of bleeding that I'm discussing here, the one that takes place while passing stool, is associated only with internal hemorrhoids. 

Yet another reason for bleeding hemorrhoids is the thrombosis, or clotting of blood, in a swollen vein in the anal canal. Symptoms associated with this condition are swelling, pain, irritation and itching. The friction caused by the rubbing of hard stool, the kind that is passed in constipation, against the anal area causes the bleeding. Hardly ever does the patient bleed so much as to result in anemia. If that was to happen, immediate medical intervention should be arranged and hemorrhoid surgery should be considered. 

What are the Symptoms of Bleeding Hemorrhoids? 

It is understood that the primary symptom of bleeding hemorrhoids is the blood that one notices in the toilet or stool. However, what most people do not know is that, by itself, such bleeding may not be indicative of irritated external hemorrhoids. The color of the blood in the stool or toilet is very important. While bright red blood may point towards bleeding hemorrhoids, dark red, black or brown blood may be signs that the patient is suffering from other serious medical problems, such as rectal cancer or infection of the rectal tissue. 

Therefore, it is not wise to jump to a hasty conclusion when one sees blood in the stool or toilet. It’s best to consult a doctor, who will, in all probability advise a series of diagnostic tests, like sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. He may also insert a testing device into the rectum to examine the tissues inside. Only after the tests are confirmed will he be able to suggest a treatment to cure bleeding hemorrhoids. 

What kinds of Treatment are available for Bleeding Hemorrhoids? 

There are several methods that can work be effective for bleeding hemorrhoids. Among them is Sclerotherapy that provides great relief from the symptoms of this condition. In this, a mixture of phenol and vegetable oil is injected into the anal canal. This reduces the flow of blood in the tissues that are affected, which helps to stop bleeding. Doctors advise surgery only in the most extreme cases. 

There are also several herbal and natural remedies, which use the extracts from plants. They have been discovered to be a great cure for this condition. With the right treatment bleeding hemorrhoids can be a thing of the past for you.