Ways To Treat Bleeding Hemorrhoids At Home
Hemorrhoids are usually treated with lifestyle changes, particularly dietary changes. In fact, increasing your fiber intake can reduce bleeding due to hemorrhoids by 50%.
Increasing your fluid intake is also important. Additional fiber and fluids can help prevent constipation, a common cause of hemorrhoids.
Brisk walking for 20 to 30 minutes a day and other moderate aerobic exercise can also help prevent constipation by stimulating bowel function.
How Are Hemorrhoids Treated
Your healthcare provider will create a care plan for you based on:
- Your age, overall health, and past health
- How serious your case is
- Whether you have internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, or both
- How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies
- If your condition is expected to get worse
- What you would like to do
The main goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms. This may be done by:
- Sitting in plain, warm water in a bathtub several times a day
- Using ice packs to reduce swelling
- Using hemorrhoid creams or medicines inserted into your rectum
Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you add more fiber and fluids to your diet to help soften your stools. Having softer stools means you don’t have to strain during bowel movements. This reduces the pressure on your hemorrhoids.
Adding more fiber to your diet means eating more:
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
If You Notice Bleeding Before During Or After Bowel Movements
If you notice blood before, during, or after bowel movements, you should seek medical care. Bleeding during bowel movements may be associated with hemorrhoids, but it could also be . Call your doctor so you can get an accurate diagnosis and rule out anything life-threatening. Your doctor can help you identify and address the cause of your bleeding. And if its hemorrhoids, they can offer treatment, relief, and suggestions to help you prevent hemorrhoids from recurring.
You May Like: How To Tell If You Have External Hemorrhoids
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.
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.
Are There Any Foods That Can Change The Color Of My Stool In A Similar Way To Rectal Bleeding
There are certain foods that can make your poop an unusual color. You can have green, yellow and even black stool. This can happen for a variety of reasons having too much bile during digestion, having a medical condition like inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease, being on antibiotics, or even just eating foods with strong color pigments.
Often, blood can make your stool look very dark and almost black. Foods like black licorice, beets, dark berries and red gelatin can all make your poop look very dark. This can easily be confused for blood in your stool. If you notice very dark poop during a bowel movement, think back to what you ate recently. Theres a chance that what you ate could be the cause for the usually dark stool.
Don’t Miss: Best Suppositories For Internal Hemorrhoids
Are Bleeding Hemorrhoids Serious
While a bleeding hemorrhoid may be alarming, they are not serious or a sign of concern in most cases. The lining of a hemorrhoid is often sensitive and delicate, meaning it can easily be torn or damaged during a bowel movement, especially if the stool is firmer than usual. It is important to note the difference between blood in your stool and blood around your stool.
Blood around your stool means it is likely the stool came into contact with a bleeding hemorrhoid as it was passed. Bleeding hemorrhoids often continue to cause pain or discomfort afterward. On the other hand, if a thrombosed hemorrhoid bursts, some patients may notice a relief of pressure when a hemorrhoid fully drains. Unfortunately, before bursting, these hemorrhoids are often particularly sensitive and painful.
If you do not have any intense or irregular pain before noticing hemorrhoidal bleeding, you may have a hemorrhoid that was briefly irritated or inflamed. In these more mild cases, over-the-counter treatments and at-home remedies may help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. In most cases, bleeding from a burst thrombosed external hemorrhoid often lasts from just a few seconds to several minutes.
You may notice occasional bleeding between bowel movements. In most cases, a burst hemorrhoid does not require medical attention. Soaking the affected area can help improve symptoms and ease irritation.
How To Choose A Cure
So, how to get rid of hemorrhoids? Some natural cures for hemorrhoids can help as well. Witch hazel, aloe vera, witch hazel gel, and other home remedies can treat and even prevent them from getting worse, even though they wont remove them. They can be used to relieve itching and burning, and you can also use them as a lubricant on the affected area.
How to treat hemorrhoids? There are times when you need to see a doctor if your hemorrhoid gets out of control and causes too much bleeding and pain. Hemorrhoidectomy is one of those times, so your doctor will do some procedures. This operation will either remove hemorrhoid or remove its blood supply.
Hemorrhoidectomy has many benefits, including less swelling and more mobility in the area that was removed. Some people choose to have hemorrhoidectomy to eliminate hemorrhoids without having to deal with the discomfort and pain that come with it. There is no single best hemorrhoidstreatment. Its up to you to find one that works best for you.
Don’t Miss: What Can I Do For Hemorrhoids At Home
Prevention Of Bleeding Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can’t always be prevented, but practicing the measures used to treat existing hemorrhoids may also prevent them, or stop them from getting worse. These include:
- Eating a high-fiber diet with plenty of non-caffeinated, nonalcoholic liquids
- Avoiding straining, such as during a bowel movement or heavy lifting
- Avoiding sitting on the toilet for long periods
- Using the toilet as soon as you feel the urge
- Establishing a regular bowel routine, such as using the toilet at the same time each day
- Using a pillow to avoid sitting on hard surfaces
- Exercising regularly to stimulate bowel movement
How Will My Doctor Diagnose Me
If the cause still cannot be found, or if your doctor has reason to believe there may be a more serious issue, he may schedule a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy will require 48 to 24 hours of preparatory work to clear the bowels of all waste. Then, you will be sedated. A long, flexible tube will be used to examine the colon. Once the procedure is completed and the sedative wears off, your doctor will discuss his findings with you and can recommend a treatment regimen.
You May Like: Fast Way To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
What Is Rectal Bleeding
Looking down into a toilet and seeing blood can be alarming. Your mind might go to many places as alarm bells ring that something is wrong. This is often rectal bleeding. A symptom of many different medical conditions, rectal bleeding can vary from being mild to being a sign of a serious condition like colorectal cancer. If youre experiencing rectal bleeding, you might see blood in a few different ways on your toilet paper as you wipe, in the water of the toilet bowl or in your poop. It can be different colors, ranging from bright red to a dark maroon to black.
The color of blood you see can actually indicate where the bleeding might be coming from.
- Bright red blood usually means bleeding thats low in your colon or rectum.
- Dark red or maroon blood can mean that you have bleeding higher in the colon or in the small bowel.
- Melena often points to bleeding in the stomach, such as bleeding from ulcers.
Sometimes, rectal bleeding isnt visible to the naked eye and can only be seen through a microscope. This type of bleeding is usually found during a lab test of a stool sample.
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.
You May Like: How To Heal Hemorrhoids Postpartum
When Is It Time To Seek Medical Care For Hemorrhoids
Drinking more water, eating more fiber, and taking over-the-counter medications may help hemorrhoids to resolve on their own at home. However, often a doctor can help you get effective relief faster than you might on your own. And, in some cases, your symptoms could indicate a condition more serious than hemorrhoids. Thats why its always better to be safe than sorry and get your hemorrhoids evaluated sooner rather than later.
Can Hemorrhoids Turn Into Cancer
No, hemorrhoids cannot turn into cancer. Cancer and hemorrhoids are unrelated, but colorectal cancer can share similar symptoms to those of hemorrhoids.
If you experience hemorrhoids often, it doesnt mean anything other than your diet may lack fiber, you are straining on the toilet too often, or you are putting excessive pressure on your rectal veins.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Cure For Bleeding Hemorrhoids
How Do I Know If I Have Hemorrhoids
posted: Sep. 04, 2019.
About one out of every 20 people suffer from hemorrhoids , and like a lot of other medical issues, they become more common as we get older. In fact, the National Institutes of Health says about half of all men and women over age 50 have hemorrhoids, making them a really common medical complaint among older people. A lot of people think rectal bleeding is the hallmark sign of hemorrhoids, but actually, many hemorrhoids don’t cause bleeding. And sometimes, rectal bleeding can have other causes, like colorectal cancer. Because hemorrhoids are such a common medical complaint among both men and women, recognizing their symptoms can help ensure you get the right treatment at the right time.
Severity Of Ruptured Hemorrhoids
Once the hemorrhoid bursts, an immediate care should be provided as to follow the steps:
- Gentle compression using clean soft cloths or sanitary napkins to stop the bleeding.
- Apply cold compression or cold sitz bath to reduce the inflammation and to stop the bleeding.
If per rectal bleeding persists and the following symptoms develop: palpitation, dizziness, faintness and cold hands and/or feet, an immediate medical attention must be obtained.
Don’t Miss: What To Do For Swollen Hemorrhoids
Can Aspirin Cause Hemorrhoids To Bleed
Drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be safe for some hemorrhoid sufferers to take to lessen the severity of inflammation and discomfort. However, in some cases, these medications can cause hemorrhoids to bleed more.
Be careful as to which drug you take to relieve your hemorrhoids, even with over the counter pain relievers.
Being cautious is especially a good idea if you are already taking medication such as blood thinners or other prescription medicines to treat a separate disorder or condition.
If you are concerned about whether taking aspirin is right for you and are looking for a method to alleviate the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids, seek advice from a medical professional.
Your doctor will know which medication is most appropriate for your body.
Read Also: What Can I Do About External Hemorrhoids
Is It Normal To Have Blood Clots With Hemorrhoids
Having blood clots in hemorrhoids is not uncommon. It happens in some people with hemorrhoids although the real reason why they develop is unknown. Therefore, you shouldnt be alarmed by them. However, rectal bleeding could be a sign of a more serious condition like colorectal cancer so seek a doctors help just to make sure.
Recommended Reading: How To Reduce External Hemorrhoids
Do Hemorrhoids Cause Cancer
Hemorrhoids do not develop into cancer. However, both hemorrhoids and cancer can cause rectal bleeding. In fact, many disorders can be the cause of rectal bleeding. When rectal bleeding occurs in persons over age 30, and especially in those over age 50, it should be considered a serious problem until an exact diagnosis is made. The physician who directly examines the rectal area can often make the specific diagnosis.
How Are They Treated
For most external hemorrhoids, home treatment is all you need. This includes slowly adding fiber to your meals, drinking more water, and using over-the-counter ointments for a limited time to stop itching. You also may use stool softeners. The same home treatment can be used for most internal hemorrhoids.
If your internal hemorrhoids are severe, you may need other treatment. The doctor may tie off the hemorrhoids with rubber bands or scar the tissue around the hemorrhoids. These treatments reduce the blood supply to the hemorrhoids so that they shrink or go away.
Surgery to remove hemorrhoids may be done if other treatments dont work.
Healthy habits can help you prevent hemorrhoids or keep them from getting worse. Eat foods that have lots of fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of exercise.
Recommended Reading: How Can You Treat External Hemorrhoids
When Should I See A Doctor
As demonstrated above, the causes of rectal bleeding run the gamut of severity, from hard stools to colorectal cancer. If you experience any kind of unexpected rectal bleeding, its a good idea to talk to a doctor. If you notice fresh blood in your stools, a change in stool color, pain during bowel movements, incontinence, or lack of control over your bowel movements, contact your doctor or a trusted healthcare provider.1 If you experience a drop in blood pressure or experience unexplained weight loss, you should also seek medical attention.1 Do not attempt to treat your bleeding hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding with a topical treatment without consulting a medical professional.
1. Rectal bleeding. MedlinePlus. . Accessed 3/23/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF.
2. Rectal bleeding Definition. Mayo Clinic. . Accessed 3/23/21. Referenced text is indicated in source PDF.
Put An End To Hemorrhoid Pain
At Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists, we know how uncomfortable hemorrhoids can be. Our team helps women and men relieve those painful symptoms with treatments based on their specific needs, including the type of hemorrhoids they have and the severity of their symptoms. If youre having any of the symptoms listed above, we can determine if hemorrhoids are to blame, or if theres another problem that needs to be treated. And if you already know you have hemorrhoids and their symptoms are becoming unbearable, we can help with that, too. In both situations, the key to relief is to schedule an evaluation so we can tailor a treatment just for you. To find out whats causing your symptoms or to learn about hemorrhoid treatment options that can help you feel better, book an appointment online today.
Recommended Reading: How Can I Cure Hemorrhoids
When To See A Doctor
Its best to contact a doctor if youre noticing blood. While it could be due to a hemorrhoid, it could also be a sign of something more serious, such as colorectal cancer.
A doctor will likely start by confirming that hemorrhoids are the source of the blood youve noticed. To do this, theyll either examine the area for external hemorrhoids or insert a gloved finger to check for internal hemorrhoids.
If its still not clear where the bloods coming from, they may recommend a colonoscopy, which involves inserting a small, lighted camera into your colon while you are sedated. This will help them check for any signs of other conditions that could be causing the bleeding.
Make sure to tell them if you have any of the following symptoms in addition to bleeding:
- changes in stool consistency or color
You can book an appointment with a primary care doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.
However, while primary care doctors can usually provide treatment for hemorrhoids, you may need to visit a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon if you have severe hemorrhoids or experience any complications.
Gastroenterologists specialize in the treatment of conditions that affect the digestive tract, including hemorrhoids. They can perform colonoscopies and other procedures, such as rubber band ligation.
You May Like: Emuaid Max For Hemorrhoids
Finding Permanent Relief From Hemorrhoids
The right diet plan is a key tactic in preventing and finding relief from hemorrhoids. A diet for hemorrhoidal sufferers should be full of fiber and healthy foods.
Other tips for relief include sitz baths, witch hazel pads, and anti-inflammatory creams. There are also a few non-surgical treatments, such as the CRH banding technique, to help get rid of hemorrhoids. Learn more about Dr. Starpoliâs effective treatment options for hemorrhoids.
Don’t Miss: How To Relieve Hemorrhoids After Birth