What causes hemorrhoid blood color? What are the symptoms of bleeding hemorrhoids? How to treat and prevent hemorrhoids that bleed?

Understanding Hemorrhoids and Bleeding

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and rectum. Passing a small amount of bright red blood with stool is often the only sign that a person has hemorrhoids. Straining during a bowel movement is the main reason for bleeding hemorrhoids. Other triggers include diarrhea or constipation and sitting or standing for a long time. They can also happen during pregnancy or after lifting a heavy item. Signs of bleeding hemorrhoids include bright, red blood staining the toilet paper or feces.

Causes of Hemorrhoid Bleeding

Everyone has hemorrhoidal tissue inside their anal canals. It consists of blood vessels, connective tissue, and muscle. When a person strains, sneezes, or exerts themselves, hemorrhoidal tissue swells to prevent feces from leaving the body. In most cases, the tissue returns to its usual size, but sometimes, it remains enlarged. When this happens, the enlarged tissue can form hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids can bleed:

• after a bowel movement, especially if there is straining
• with diarrhea or constipation
• after sitting or standing for a long time
• during pregnancy
• when lifting a heavy object
• if a blood clot blocks the blood supply, leading to ulceration and dead tissue

Symptoms of Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids often remain inside the anal canal, but sometimes they bulge outward from the anus and become visible outside of the body. Either type can bleed, but only external ones are painful.

If hemorrhoids bleed, a person may see traces or streaks of bright, red blood:

• on tissues after wiping
• in the toilet bowl
• in the stool

If the blood is dark red, the person should notify a doctor as this can indicate a problem higher up in the gastrointestinal tract.

Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

A thrombosed hemorrhoid is when a blood clot develops within the hemorrhoid. As the swelling increases, pressure from surrounding tissues or stool can cause the hemorrhoid to rupture and bleed, often at the end of a bowel movement. This can lead to significant bleeding. There may also be severe pain. A person should seek medical help at once if they notice:

• severe pain
• constant bleeding from the hemorrhoid
• more than a few drops of blood in the toilet bowl, perhaps with blood clots
• a bluish lump on the anus, suggesting a thrombosed hemorrhoid

Medical Treatments for Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Medical treatments for bleeding hemorrhoids will depend on the severity of symptoms, the size of the hemorrhoids, and whether the person has already tried other treatment options. The following are some treatment options that may take place in a doctor’s office:

• Rubber band ligation: Placing a small band at the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply.
• Sclerotherapy: Injecting chemicals into the hemorrhoid to make it shrink.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the blood vessels to cause scarring and block the blood flow.
• Infrared photocoagulation: Using a laser to damage hemorrhoidal tissue, causing it to shrink and slough off.

If a person has large or bulky hemorrhoids or other treatments have not helped, more invasive surgery may be necessary, such as hemorrhoidectomy, stapled hemorrhoidectomy, or hemorrhoid artery ligation.

Home Remedies for Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Home remedies cannot resolve bleeding hemorrhoids, but they can help relieve hemorrhoids and their symptoms. Here are some home remedies to relieve discomfort and reduce the risk of further bleeding:

• Sitz bath: Sitting in a small plastic tub filled with warm water for up to 15 minutes can help maintain hygiene and relieve pain and irritation.
• Ice: Applying ice packs or ice cubes to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain.

Preventing Bleeding Hemorrhoids

To prevent bleeding hemorrhoids, it’s important to maintain good bowel habits, such as avoiding straining during bowel movements, getting enough fiber in the diet, and staying hydrated. Pregnant women and those who have lifted heavy objects should be especially cautious. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to seek medical attention to avoid further complications.