What Is The Medical Treatment For Rectal Bleeding
The treatment for rectal bleeding depends on the cause and source of the bleeding.
- Regardless of the source of bleeding, treatment of significant blood loss will begin by stabilizing the patient’s condition.
- Initially, medical professionals will provide oxygen to the patient and monitor the heart. An IV will be started to administer fluids and for a possible blood transfusion.
- Further treatment options will depend on the suspected source of bleeding. A general surgeon, gastroenterologist, or ulcerative colitis specialist will likely become involved in the treatment plan.
- Admission to the hospital is required when a marked amount of blood loss has occurred, if bleeding has not stopped, or if vital signs have not become normal.
How Do I Treat Rectal Bleeding
In most cases, rectal bleeding can be treated by caring for the cause of the bleeding. Rectal bleeding is often a part of a bigger issue that needs to be taken care of. Once that condition has been treated, the bleeding usually stops. Treatment options can vary depending on the condition. Conditions like anal fissures can go away on their own over time or be treated with ointments. Hemorrhoids are another common cause of rectal bleeding that can be treated by either resolving any constipation issues, changing your diet and water intake, or possibly having surgery.
One more severe cause of rectal bleeding can be cancer. If this is the case, your healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan to treat the cancer, often removing any tumors.
When Do Specialists Help Required
Any anal bleeding needs to be properly evaluated. If you have anal bleeding that lasts for more than 10 minutes, its best to see a medical professional make sure that something else isnt triggering your bleeding.
Not all bleeding is because of hemorrhoids, so its important to not self-diagnose. Sometimes, bleeding can be a sign of a more severe underlying condition, such as colorectal or anal cancer.
Ensure to inform them if you have any of the following symptoms in addition to bleeding:
- changes in stool consistency or color
- changes in defecation routines
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Possible Complications And Side Effects
If you have a bleeding hemorrhoid, you might consider it a small problem, but it can still be a very painful experience. Seeing blood after we use the bathroom can be scary, but youre not alone.
There are a lot of different ways to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid and in some cases, its best to seek medical attention sooner rather than later if:
- Youre experiencing rectal bleeding or see blood on your toilet paper
- You have pain in and around your anus;
- Youve tried over the counter treatments for a week with no change in symptoms;
- Your bowel movements look maroon or tarry in color
If your doctor recommends surgery to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid, there are some possible complications to be aware of like :
- Bleeding
- Injury to the anus
- Narrowing of the anus;
Other treatments and medications may have different side effects. Consult your healthcare provider about possible complications of any medications you might take for a bleeding hemorrhoid.
What Are The Symptoms Of Rectal Bleeding
The symptoms of rectal bleeding can vary depending on what is causing the bleeding. Most causes of rectal bleeding are treatable and not serious. In some cases, rectal bleeding can be a symptom of a serious disease, such as colorectal cancer. Because it can be hard to know the cause of your rectal bleeding at home, its usually a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have rectal bleeding.
Some symptoms you might have with rectal bleeding can include:
- Feeling rectal pain and/or pressure.
- Seeing bright red blood in or on your stool, underwear, toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
- Having stool thats red, maroon or black in color.
- Having stool that has a tar-like appearance.
- Experiencing mental confusion.
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
- Fainting.
In some very severe cases, rectal bleeding can lead to shock. If you experience any symptoms of shock, call 911 right away and get help. The symptoms of shock can include:
- Experiencing a sudden drop in your blood pressure.
- Having a fast heart rate.
- Not being able to urinate.
- Slipping into unconsciousness.
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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor About Rectal Bleeding During An Appointment
If youre experiencing rectal bleeding, calling your healthcare provider and going in for an appointment is often a good idea. Your provider will figure out whats causing the bleeding and develop a plan to stop the bleeding.
Its important to ask any questions you might have during this appointment. Dont be embarrassed to talk about your bowel movements or details about your poop. This information might seem disgusting, but it will help your provider know whats happening and find the best way to help you feel better.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/13/2020.
References
How To Naturally Treat Bleeding Hemorrhoids
Home Remedies to Stop Bleeding Hemorrhoids Witch Hazel. Liquid extracts of the witch hazel plant can temporarily shrink hemorrhoids and relieve problematic symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Stay Clean. Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of cleanliness for healing hemorrhoids. Fiber Supplements. Sitz Bath. Over-the-Counter Treatments.
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How To Heal Hemorrhoids: Over
Products used to treat hemorrhoids are available as
- ointments,
- foams, and
- pads.
When used around the anus, ointments, creams, and gels should be applied as a thin covering. When applied to the anal canal, these products should be inserted with a finger or a “pile pipe.” Pile pipes are most efficient when they have holes on the sides as well as at the end. Pile pipes should be lubricated with ointment prior to insertion. Suppositories or foams do not have advantages over ointments, creams, and gels.
Whom Do Hemorrhoids Affect
Although most people think hemorrhoids are abnormal, almost everyone has them. Hemorrhoids help control bowel movements. Hemorrhoids cause problems and can be considered abnormal or a disease only when the hemorrhoidal clumps of vessels enlarge.
Hemorrhoids occur in almost everyone, and an estimated 75% of people will experience enlarged hemorrhoids at some point. However only about 4% will go to a doctor because of hemorrhoid problems. Hemorrhoids that cause problems are found equally in men and women, and their prevalence peaks between 45 and 65 years of age.
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What Are Hemorrhoids Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention
Hemorrhoids are enlarged and swollen veins around the outside of the anus or in the lower rectum. The rectum is the last part of the bowel and leads to the anus, the opening at the end of the bowel where fecal matter leaves the body.
Everyone has hemorrhoidal tissue in this area thats made up of blood vessels, connective tissue, and some muscle. These cushions dont always become enlarged or distended, but as we age, this phenomenon becomes more common causing what we call hemorrhoids, also known as piles.
Hemorrhoids can be caused in a number of ways, most commonly by straining to make a bowel movement. Lifting heavy objects, along with other activities that may cause straining, can also lead to hemorrhoids. Experiencing increased pressure during pregnancy and being overweight are other contributing factors.
Hemorrhoids may be painful and particularly bothersome if they are recurrent, but they’re not dangerous or life-threatening, and symptoms usually go away within a few days. There are plenty of effective ways to treat them, as well as options for the less common types of hemorrhoids that may be more problematic.
Easy Ways To Prevent Hemorrhoids
There are a number of easy, healthy ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet. Fiber-filled foods include fruits such as berries, avocados, and pears . Broccoli, artichokes, and Brussels sprouts are among the vegetables that can up your fiber intake. Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal, are also an important source. Legumes, including lentils, various beans, and green peas, are a great way to get fiber. Nuts and seeds make for a great fiber-filled snack, too.
If you’re having trouble getting enough fiber in your regular diet, consider a fiber supplement.
If you experience chronic constipation and suspect that may be contributing to your hemorrhoids, avoid eating too many foods that contain little or no fiber, such as cheese and fast and processed foods.
Drink plenty of water and other fluids.;Recommendations for daily water intake vary and depend on the individual, but the;Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has set adequate intake levels at 2.7 liters for men and approximately 3.7 liters for women. This can come from beverages and food, but caffeinated beverages and alcohol can be dehydrating and should not be counted in reaching this intake goal.
Exercise regularly.;Exercise, especially 20 to 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a day, can help keep bowel movements regular. ;And regular exercise may help you lose weight, which may be contributing to the formation of hemorrhoids.
Other tips for preventing hemorrhoids include:
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Can I Use A Suppository For Hemorrhoids With Bleeding
While many people love hemorrhoid suppositories, you should be careful using a hemorrhoid suppository when bleeding.
Make sure that you have bleeding hemorrhoids before relying strictly upon a hemorrhoid suppository.;
If you can confirm your problem isn’t more serious, then a suppository for bleeding is a good idea.;
My favorite suppository for bleeding hemorrhoids is from Boiron.
Can A Bleeding Hemorrhoid Get Infected
Yes, bleeding hemorrhoids can become infected, but this is a rare occurrence. Sometimes, when an external hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed and forms a blood clot beneath the skin, this blood clot can burst.;
There is a low chance that an open blood clot can accumulate an infection.;
It is recommended that if a blood clot is inhibiting your comfort and lifestyle, you should seek medical intervention from your doctor.;
Your;physician will be able to lance and drain a blood clot while helping subside the risk of infection.
In some cases after hemorrhoid surgeries, an infection can occur.;
It is essential to monitor your side effects post-surgery to curb the risk of infection.
Severe bleeding or pain should be reported to your doctor post operation.;
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What Should I Do If My Burst Hemorrhoid Won’t Stop Bleeding
If this is the case, we highly recommend you go to;a hemorrhoid;doctor. A proctologist will be able to help you with this issue. If you are losing a lot of blood you will want to have a doctor check you out.
While a bleeding hemorrhoid is normal, some cases can be severe. If you’re concerned your burst hemorrhoid is bleeding a lot, make sure you see a doctor as soon as you can.
Natural Ways To Stop Rectal Bleeding
Depending on the root cause of your;rectal bleeding, youll want to choose the natural remedy that best fits your situation. These natural remedies are all natural rectal bleeding preventatives as well.
1. Relieve Constipation;
If constipation is the health issue behind your rectal bleeding, then youll want to check out natural constipation relief remedies. When things are moving easily then rectal bleeding is much less likely due to constipation. How do you avoid constipation or get on the other side of it and get regular again? You definitely need to look at your diet. Are you getting enough fiber? Are you drinking enough water? These are two very simple things that are absolutely key to natural constipation relief. High fiber foods that help to relieve constipation include green vegetables, beans, squash, prunes and figs. Warm bone broths and hot herbal teas are also great.
There are foods youll want to avoid if constipation is an issue. These include things like refined flour, pasteurized dairy products, alcohol and fried foods. These are all food choices that make constipation more likely or worse.
Supplementing with probiotics and eating more fermented foods also really helps to relieve constipation. Exercise, especially;rebounding, a.k.a. jumping on a mini-trampoline, helps to;stimulate the bowels and lymphatic system. ;Light exercise can also support bowel function, including stretching, walking, jogging, yoga, swimming or dancing.
2. Calm Bleeding Hemorrhoids
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How To Treat Bleeding Hemorrhoids
Though its not a very pleasant topic to think about, the fact is that hemorrhoids are one of the most common gastrointestinal problems. The National Institutes of Health estimates that about 1 in 20 Americans will develop hemorrhoids at some point during their life. For most people, though, getting hemorrhoids is a temporary problem that isnt much of a cause for concern. Sometimes the problem is more severe and the hemorrhoids cause rectal bleeding; in those cases, a more proactive treatment approach is usually necessary.;
What Should I Eat With Hemorrhoids
Eating whole grains and other foods that are high in fiber can help ease symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as discomfort and swelling. These foods can also help prevent hemorrhoids from forming by making the stool bulky and softening it. This helps you avoid straining, which can lead to hemorrhoids. When you increase your fiber intake, you should do so gradually to lower your risk of having gas.;
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Causes And Risk Factors Of Hemorrhoids
Several conditions and habits are thought to cause;hemorrhoids:
- Chronic;constipation;or;diarrhea
- Straining too hard during bowel movements
- Sitting on the toilet for a long time
Straining, constipation, and prolonged sitting can all affect the blood flow in the area, causing blood to not move at its expected rate within the vessels, leading to;hemorrhoids.
Factors that raise your risk of developing;hemorrhoids:
- Lack of fiber in the diet.
- Obesity: Being overweight can put pressure on the;hemorrhoidal;tissue.
- Aging: As we get older, the connective tissue in the rectum and anus becomes weaker, potentially resulting in bulging;hemorrhoids.
- Pregnancy: As the fetus grows and puts pressure on the abdomen, the veins in the rectum and anus may become enlarged. The problem typically goes away after birth.
How Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids
You can most often treat your hemorrhoids at home by
- taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium or methylcellulose
- drinking water or other nonalcoholic liquids each day as recommended by your health care professional
- not straining during bowel movements
- not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin
- sitting in a tub of warm water, called a sitz bath, several times a day to help relieve pain
Applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or ointments or using suppositoriesa medicine you insert into your rectummay relieve mild pain, swelling, and itching of external hemorrhoids. Most often, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for 1 week. You should follow up with your doctor if the products
- do not relieve your symptoms after 1 week
- cause side effects such dry skin around your anus or a rash
Most prolapsed internal hemorrhoids go away without at-home treatment. However, severely prolapsed or bleeding internal hemorrhoids may need medical treatment.
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What Causes Hemorrhoids
Constipation is one of the causes of hemorrhoids with much of the pain and discomfort arising from the âpiles” which may appear at the opening of the anal passage after straining when having a bowel movement. Apart from constipation and straining, prolonged sitting on the toilet can be another action that interferes with blood flow to and from the area so that blood can pool and result in this condition.*
Treatment for piles is recommended as soon as a person becomes aware of the condition. Sometimes aging can weaken the connective tissue that supports and holds hemroids in place so that they bulge and prolapse*
Should I See A Doctor
Any anal bleeding should be properly evaluated. If you have anal bleeding that lasts for more than 10 minutes, its best to see a doctor to make sure that something else isnt causing your bleeding.
Not all bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, so its important to not self-diagnose. Sometimes, bleeding can be symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as colorectal or anal cancer.
Make sure to tell them if you have any of the following symptoms in addition to bleeding:
- changes in stool consistency or color
- changes in bowel movement habits
- anal pain
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Diagnosis Of Rectal Bleeding
Do not assume the rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids. A physical exam, rectal exam, sigmoidoscopy, and in some cases colonoscopy is mandatory to identify the cause of the bleeding and help rule out other conditions such as colon or rectal cancer. Associated change in bowel habits, weight loss, and abdominal pain mandate additional testing. New onset rectal bleeding in someone over the age of 40 that is not typical of hemorrhoids or does not respond to banding requires further testing with colonoscopy. Selected patients under the age of 40 may also need colonoscopy as colon cancer does occasionally occur in younger individuals. Sexually transmitted diseases of the rectum such as HPV, syphilis, gonorrhea, or herpes may also cause rectal bleeding.
Bleeding Hemorrhoids Home Remedies
There are many home remedies that can reduce the irritation and inflammation associated with hemorrhoids that cause them to bleed.
The best way to treat bleeding associated with hemorrhoids is to ease their symptoms.
Sitting in a tub of warm water for 10-15 minutes can help reduce the swelling and irritation caused by hemorrhoids .
Some patients add Epsom salt or apple cider vinegar to their baths to help further reduce the hemorrhoids and their bleeding.
Better Bath Better Body Hemorrhoid Soak is a good product to use for hemorrhoids. Just add a little of the product to a lukewarm bath.
Witch hazel is an astringent that can cause hemorrhoid tissue to shrink.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel have been effective in providing relief for many symptoms of hemorrhoids, which is why using witch hazel for hemorrhoids is a great idea.
Two products that use witch hazel, preparation h and tucks, cab be used.
Coconut oil for hemorrhoids can be used as it is a natural moisturizer that can help with the pain and itching that often causes hemorrhoids to become irritated and bleed.
Aloe vera plant has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body that can help provide relief from itching, burning, and swelling.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help provide temporary relief as well. The best way to treat bleeding hemorrhoids with home remedies is to find ways to change your lifestyle. This can include:
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