What are the common causes of rectal bleeding. How can you treat blood in stool at home. When should you seek medical attention for bloody stools. What natural remedies can help stop rectal bleeding. How can you prevent rectal bleeding from occurring.

Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Symptoms

Rectal bleeding, also known as blood in stool, occurs when blood passes through the anus, often mixed with stool. While it can be alarming to see, rectal bleeding is relatively common and often not serious. However, it’s important to identify the underlying cause to determine proper treatment.

Common Causes of Rectal Bleeding

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Constipation
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Diverticulosis
• Polyps
• Colorectal cancer (less common but serious)

The color of the blood can provide clues about its origin. Bright red blood typically indicates bleeding in the lower colon or rectum, while darker red or maroon blood may come from higher in the digestive tract. Black, tarry stools can signify bleeding in the stomach or upper intestines.

Key Symptoms to Watch For

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
• Blood mixed with stool
• Rectal pain or pressure
• Dark, tarry stools
• Dizziness or lightheadedness (in cases of significant blood loss)

Natural Home Remedies for Rectal Bleeding

For minor cases of rectal bleeding, several natural remedies may help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause before attempting home treatment.

1. Sitz Baths

A sitz bath involves sitting in warm water to soothe the anal area. This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of anal fissures or hemorrhoids. To try this remedy:

1. Fill a bathtub with a few inches of warm water
2. Sit in the water for 15-20 minutes
3. Gently pat the area dry afterward
4. Repeat 2-3 times daily

2. Dietary Changes

Adjusting your diet can help prevent and alleviate rectal bleeding, especially if it’s caused by hemorrhoids or constipation. Consider incorporating these dietary changes:

• Increase fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoid spicy foods and alcohol, which can irritate the digestive tract
• Limit caffeine consumption

3. Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs may help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Some potentially beneficial herbs include:

• Witch hazel: Apply topically to reduce swelling and discomfort
• Aloe vera: Use pure aloe vera gel to soothe irritated tissue
• Chamomile tea: Drink or apply cooled tea bags to the affected area

Always consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you’re taking medications.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Rectal Bleeding

While many cases of rectal bleeding can be managed at home, certain situations require immediate medical attention. Seek medical care if you experience:

• Heavy or continuous bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Fever or chills
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid heart rate
• Bloody diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding that persists for more than a few days

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires professional medical intervention.

Diagnostic Procedures for Rectal Bleeding

To determine the cause of rectal bleeding, healthcare providers may use various diagnostic tools and procedures. Understanding these can help you prepare for a medical consultation.

Common Diagnostic Procedures

• Digital rectal exam
• Anoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Stool tests
• Blood tests

Your healthcare provider will choose the most appropriate diagnostic method based on your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings.

Preventing Rectal Bleeding: Lifestyle Changes and Tips

While not all cases of rectal bleeding can be prevented, certain lifestyle modifications can reduce your risk and promote overall digestive health.

Key Prevention Strategies

• Maintain a high-fiber diet
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid straining during bowel movements
• Practice good anal hygiene
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can support digestive health and potentially reduce the likelihood of developing conditions that lead to rectal bleeding.

Understanding the Link Between Stress and Rectal Bleeding

Stress can have a significant impact on digestive health and may contribute to rectal bleeding indirectly. Chronic stress can exacerbate conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome, which may lead to rectal bleeding.

Stress Management Techniques

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Time management skills
• Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist

By managing stress effectively, you may be able to reduce its impact on your digestive system and overall health.

The Role of Probiotics in Digestive Health and Rectal Bleeding Prevention

Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. While they may not directly prevent rectal bleeding, they can support overall gut health and potentially reduce the risk of certain conditions that may lead to bleeding.

Benefits of Probiotics for Digestive Health

• Improved digestion
• Enhanced immune function
• Reduced inflammation in the gut
• Better nutrient absorption

Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet or discussing probiotic supplements with your healthcare provider to support your digestive health.

Rectal Bleeding in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Rectal bleeding in children can be particularly concerning for parents. While many causes are similar to those in adults, there are some considerations specific to pediatric cases.

Common Causes of Rectal Bleeding in Children

• Constipation
• Anal fissures
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Infections
• Inflammatory bowel disease

If your child experiences rectal bleeding, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Rectal bleeding, while often benign, should never be ignored. By understanding its causes, recognizing when to seek medical attention, and implementing preventive measures, you can take control of your digestive health. Remember, natural remedies can be helpful for minor cases, but always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right approach, most cases of rectal bleeding can be effectively managed, allowing you to maintain optimal digestive health and overall well-being.

Rectal Bleeding Causes + 5 Natural Home Remedies

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The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.

Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased.

The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

By Annie Price, CHHC

April 13, 2017

If you’ve been pooping blood recently, hopefully you haven’t been ignoring it like it’s no big deal. Seeing bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl is definitely a sign that something is not exactly right in your body at that moment, particularly in your gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes it may just be that you’ve been struggling with constipation or maybe it’s hemorrhoid symptoms, but sometimes the cause of rectal bleeding can be more serious. (1)

If you see bright blood in your stool, try to stay calm because hopefully it’s nothing serious. Rectal bleeding is often caused by a small tear down there or hard stools, but rectal bleeding can also be caused by more serious health problems like cancer.

It’s really important to identify the root cause of rectal bleeding. If you know it’s something not so serious, then there an array of natural remedies to choose from, but if it is more serious then it’s important to know that cause too. When it comes to rectal bleeding, you definitely need to know the cause to properly address it and get rid of it. Let’s talk about how to figure out the cause and the best natural treatment approach for your particular case of rectal bleeding.

What Is Rectal Bleeding?

The rectum is the last portion of the large bowel that ends just before the anus. Someone is said to have rectal bleeding when he or she is passing blood rectally. In other words, blood is coming out of the anus. Usually the blood is mixed with stool, resulting in a bloody stool.

Rectal bleeding, or bleeding from rectum, is a type of gastrointestinal or GI bleeding. When you have true rectal bleeding (rather than blood in your stool as a result of bleeding somewhere else in the digestive system), it’s often very mild and will stop on its own within a short amount of time. However, rectal bleeding can also be moderate to severe and, of course, this is much more concerning and warrants immediate medical care. (2)

How do you know when you have rectal bleeding? Some people see drops of blood on the toilet paper or they notice discoloration of the water in the toilet bowl. Some people also notice that they have bloody stools.  The shade of that bloody stool is actually quite meaningful and can indicate whether or not the bleeding is true rectal bleeding or if it is originating elsewhere in the digestive tract.

Make sure to take note of the color of the blood you see when you go to the bathroom. Bright red blood usually means the bleeding is low in the colon or rectum. Dark red or maroon colored blood most often shows that the source of the bleeding is higher in the colon or in the small bowel.  Black tarry stools (also called “melena”) is often indicative of  GI bleeding in the stomach, such as from bleeding stomach ulcers. (3)

Rectal Bleeding Symptoms

Symptoms of rectal bleeding can include the following: (4)

• Bright red blood in stool or on stool
• Bright red blood on underwear or toilet paper
• Bright red blood in the toilet bowl
• Rectal pain and/or pressure
• A bloody stool which can be red, maroon or black in color
• A stool with a dark, tar-like appearance (another sign of a bloody stool)

With moderate or severe anal bleeding, someone can also experience feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion or even fainting due to blood loss. If you have bloody diarrhea, then it is important to know that bloody diarrhea can be caused by bleeding anywhere in the digestive tract, starting from the mouth all the way to the anus. Bloody diarrhea is typically a warning sign of gastrointestinal or GI bleed resulting from an injury or a disease, such as a bacterial infection. (5)

Causes & Risk Factors

Blood in poop is one of the most tell-tale signs of rectal bleeding. It can often be quite alarming, especially if you’ve never experienced it before. Try to stay calm. There are actually quite a number of possible causes of rectal bleeding. Much of the time, it is one of the symptoms of hemorrhoids making itself visible.

Most common bleeding from the anus causes: (6)

• A tear in the skin of the anus (also called an anal fissure)
• Hemorrhoids
• Chronic constipation
• Hard stools

The less common rectal bleeding causes include:

• Ulcerative colitis
• Ischemic colitis (inflammation in the colon caused by reduced blood flow)
• Diarrhea (to the point that it causes anal irritation)
• Rectal prolapse
• Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (a sore on the wall of the rectum)
• Anal cancer
• Colon polyps
• Colon cancer
• Angiodysplasia (abnormalities in the blood vessels near intestines)
• Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)
• Diverticulosis
• Ganglion cyst (colon inflammation caused by an infection)
• Radiation treatment

It is possible to have rectal bleeding and not know it. Some rectal bleeding is only visible if a stool sample is put under a microscope. A  stool guaiac test can be conducted to find invisible blood in a stool specimen.

Conventional Treatment

If you are concerned about your rectal bleeding, your rectal bleeding is moderate to severe, or your rectal bleeding lasts for longer than one to two days, see your doctor. If it’s moderate to severe, then you should actually seek urgent medical care. Most of the time, if you’re under the age of 40 and the cause of your rectal bleeding is obvious (like constipation or hemorrhoids), then your doctor may not suggest any additional testing. If you’re over the age of 40, then a lot of conventional doctors will recommend a colonoscopy, or some other testing, to rule out serious rectal bleeding causes like cancer. (18)

Both conventional and holistic practitioners will recommend that you monitor your symptoms. So keep track of the color of the blood you see as well as the consistency of your stools. If you have any other symptoms (such as rectal pain, etc.) make a note of all of those, too, and when they occurred. Depending on what your doctor thinks, conventional treatment can likely involve a rectal exam as well as a colonoscopy or other testing. This is necessary if the cause of the rectal bleeding can not otherwise be determined by the doctor. For example, if it’s not an obvious case of bleeding hemorrhoids. (19)

Depending on the root cause of your rectal bleeding, you’ll 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 you’ll 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 you’ll 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

If hemorrhoids are the cause of your rectal breeding, then natural remedies for treating hemorrhoids are the way to go. Avoiding constipation is one helpful way to avoid and help heal hemorrhoids. You’ll also want to follow a diet similar to the anti-constipation diet. Definitely make sure to steer clear of alcohol and spicy foods, which can really make a case of hemorrhoids that much more intolerable and rectal bleeding even more likely.

There are also some very key habits to practice to treat hemorrhoids and the resulting rectal bleeding. Make sure you do not sit too long on the toilet reading or looking at your cellphone while you’re trying to go to the bathroom. This only equates to more time straining and that will just make hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding worse.

You want to make sure that you don’t leave any stool behind when you wipe in general, and especially when you have hemorrhoids, because this only makes hemorrhoids angrier and more irritated. However, do not cleanse yourself roughly or use soaps that contain harsh chemicals, alcohol or perfumes. Instead, use plain water to wipe yourself and then dry your bottom afterward.

A sitz bath, which involves sitting in warm water for 10 minutes, twice daily, is helpful to patients with anal itching, aching or burning. You may also want to try this DIY Hemorrhoid Cream with Turmeric & Tea Tree Oil.

3. Improve Ulcerative Colitis

If your anal bleeding stems from your struggle with ulcerative colitis, there are some awesome natural remedies for ulcerative colitis. For starters, it’s important to follow a healing diet and avoid problematic trigger foods like dairy products, spicy foods and refined sugar. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids and probiotics reduce inflammation and help with nutrient absorption.

Relaxation is also a key aspect of getting ulcerative colitis and any resulting rectal bleeding under control. When you relax, it calms the body and allows it to digest food more easily. I suggest finding calming activities you can do daily, like deep breathing and stretching, which will help to improve circulation and appropriately regulate digestion.

4. Soften Stools

Is your poop normal? Since hard stools can make it more likely to have rectal bleeding, you want to do what you can to avoid them. A hard stool not only can cause straining on the toilet, which can lead to hemorrhoids, it can also result in a tear in the skin of the anus (an anal fissure), which is a common cause of rectal bleeding.

Here are some of the best foods and beverages that act as natural laxatives and help to ensure your stools are not too hard:

• Prune juice and other prune products
• Water
• Psyllium husk
• Aloe vera
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseed and flaxseed oil
• Leafy green vegetables like kale, mustard greens and spinach
• High-fiber fruit like figs, apples, pears and berries
• Probiotic-rich foods like coconut kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut and kimchi
• Coconut water (which also helps with dehydration)

5. Reduce Stress

Reducing stress is truly that universal health improver. No matter the root of your rectal bleeding, reducing your stress levels will help to promote healing and decrease bodily inflammation. Scientific research has clearly shown that chronic stress is linked to the human body losing its natural ability to properly control the inflammatory response. (8)

Precautions

When rectal bleeding is moderate or worse, severe, then the blood loss can become too much and result in additional symptoms, including dizziness, weakness, fainting or coming close to fainting, orthostatic hypotension (a decrease in blood pressure when going from the sitting or lying to standing) or other signs of low blood pressure. (19)

Seek emergency care if you have rectal bleeding that is heavy or continuous, also includes anal pain, or you also feel severe cramping or pain in your abdomen. In rare situations, rectal bleeding can cause such an excessive loss of blood from a person’s body that he or she goes into shock.  It is recommended that you call 911 if you or someone you know has severe rectal bleeding, as well as any of the following signs of shock: (20)

• Dizziness or lightheadedness after standing up
• Very fast, shallow breathing
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Blurry vision
• Nausea
• Low urine output
• Cold, clammy, pale skin

If you’re currently being treated for any health condition, or are currently taking any medication, check with your doctor before adding any new foods or natural remedies to your daily routine.

I also want to note that if you see a red tint to your stools, make sure to recall if you ate beets recently. Beet consumption can temporarily make urine or stools reddish in color.

Final Thoughts

Rectal bleeding can be scary and if the bleeding is moderate to severe, by all means you should skip natural remedies and go straight to emergency medical care. Much of the time, however, rectal bleeding is faint and doesn’t have a serious cause. With a minor case of rectal bleeding and a natural approach, the bleeding can subside quickly.

It’s extremely helpful to identify the root of your rectal bleeding to choose the best natural approach. In general, all of these natural remedies I just discussed can also help to prevent rectal bleeding in the first place. I hope you don’t see any blood in your poop anytime soon, but if you do, don’t just ignore it when there are so many ways to resolve it.

Read Next: 7 Foods That Make the Best Natural Laxatives

Home remedies for blood in stool|Ayurveda

Blood in Stool: Causes, Tips & Home Remedies

Blood in stool also known as rectal bleeding is one of the severe diseases any human can face. Rectal bleeding can occur due to various reasons including haemorrhoids, fissures, bowel diseases, ulcers etc. Stains of blood in the stools are the common symptoms of stool. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool occurs due to bleeding in the digestive tract. Blood in the stool can be a sign of severe diseases including haemorrhoids, anaemia, low blood pressure etc. The problem of rectal bleeding can be cured with simple tips and home remedies that are stated below in the paragraphs.

What are the symptoms of rectal bleeding?

Symptoms associated with the rectal bleeding are stated below-

• Red or maroon stools
• Clearly visible red blood in the stool
• Visibility of red blood while cleaning the hips
• The stain of blood in garments
• Inflammation

What causes blood in stool?

The major causes of blood in stool are mentioned below-

• Haemorrhoids (Piles)
• Anal fissures
• Bowel diseases
• Ulcer
• Colorectal cancer
• Liver disease

What are the complications of blood in stool?

The complications associated with blood in stool are stated below-

• High loss of blood
• Anaemia
• Shock
• Colon cancer
• Low blood pressure
• Haemorrhoids

Dos and don’ts for blood in stool treatment

Follow the tips stated below to cure blood in stool at home-

• Drink an ample amount of water
• Take a regular bath
• Avoid the consumption of alcohol
• Application of an ice pack on the affected area helps reduce the pain and inflammation
• Take a hip bath with cold water
• Clean your body after using the toilet
• Consume fibre-rich food like bottle gourd and cucumber
• Consume the fruits like banana
• Avoid spending too much time on toilet
• Eat healthy food
• Avoid hard to digest food

Home remedies for blood in stool

Follow the home remedies stated below to treat blood in stool at home-

Home remedy for blood in stool

Ingredients: Turmeric and milk

Step 1: Take a glass of milk and mix one tablespoon of organic turmeric powder into it.

Step 2: Boil the milk properly for a few minutes.

Instructions: Drink this milk regularly once a day at night before going to sleep. Follow this home remedy to cure the internal infection.

Home Remedy for blood in stool:

Ingredients: Raisin and a glass of milk 

Step 1: Take 10 grams of raisins and put them into the water for a night

Step 2: Extract the seeds from the raisin and put them into the milk.

Step 3: Boil the milk with raisin

Instructions: drink the milk along with raisins every day. Raisin is a natural stool softener; soft stool moves easily to the outside and decreases blood in the stool. 

Home Remedy for blood in stool:

Ingredients: Mulethi Churan, jaggery and a glass of water

Steps: Take one glass of water and mix one spoon of mulethi powder, and one spoon of jaggery into it.

Instructions: Drink this concoction daily at night regularly till you get complete relief from the rectal bleeding.

Seventh Home Remedy for blood in stool:

Ingredients: Fennel seed and a glass of water

Step 1: Roast the fennel seeds and grind them till it becomes powder.

Step 2: Take one spoon of fennel seed powder and mix it into the lukewarm water.

Instructions: Drink this mixture daily at night before going to bed. Fennel seed boosts the digestive system and helps decrease the problem of blood in the stool.

Home remedy for blood in stool:

Ingredients: Coriander seed and glass of buttermilk

Step 1: Soak 3 tablespoons of coriander seed into a cup of water for a night.

Step 2: Make a good paste of soaked coriander seed using a traditional paste maker, mix the paste in a glass of buttermilk.

Instructions: Drink this mixture regularly to reduce the frequency of rectal bleeding.

Home remedy for loose motion or blood in stool:

Ingredients: Honey and curry leaves

Step 1: Take 20 leaves of curry and make a coarse paste of curry leaves.

Step 2: Take one spoon of honey and mix the paste of curry leaves into it.

Instructions: Consume this mixture of honey and curry leaves regularly two times a day to stop rectal bleeding.

Home remedy for blood in stool:

Ingredients: Banana and yoghurt

Instructions: mash the banana and mix it properly in a bowl of yoghurt, and consume it multiple times a day.

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Home Remedies

Bloody diarrhea in a dog – cause and treatment

1. How to detect blood in the stool
2. Causes of bloody diarrhea in a dog
3. Diarrhea with blood and mucus in a dog due to parasitic diseases
4. Treatment of bloody diarrhea in a dog

B In veterinary practice, there are cases when the owner often does not notice that his dog is pooping with blood, which often leads to disastrous consequences. Therefore, at the slightest sign of blood in the stool, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic.

How can you detect blood in the stool?

which the bowel has the appearance of a tar-like consistency called “melena” and means bleeding of the upper gastrointestinal tract;

Causes of bloody diarrhea in a dog

There are several reasons why a dog poops with blood, especially for pets that have not passed the mandatory vaccination. Puppies, young and weak older dogs for this reason are at high risk of acquiring acute infectious diseases:

• Parvovirus and coronovirus enteritis;
• Salmonellosis;
• Leptospirosis

The main criteria for infection can be:

• Frequent vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Lethargy;
• Loss of appetite;
• Sudden increase in body temperature

Therefore, at the first detection of the first signs that the dog has bloody diarrhea and vomiting, you should immediately call the veterinary service and hospitalize the pet. This will help a quick recovery and reduce the risk of developing dehydration, which can lead to irreversible consequences.

Diarrhea with blood and mucus in a dog due to parasitic diseases

Parasitic infestation can occur when the animal is fed unprocessed animal products, fish, eating the ground and picking up anything that is not lying well during walks. In this case, there may be black diarrhea in a dog, which also indicates helminthiases and isosporiasis. These are the most common diseases in which parasites can provoke bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

Owners of pets infested with these parasites should be aware that the feces in this case may have intermittent blood inclusions.

Cases of damage to the gastrointestinal tract wall due to mechanical damage as a result of the ingress of solid foreign bodies with sharp edges, as well as the occurrence of neoplasms of various etiologies, are not excluded.

Treatment of bloody diarrhea in a dog

Comprehensive treatment can only be prescribed by an experienced veterinarian who can easily analyze the situation and identify the root cause of blood inclusions in the pet’s stool.

It is much easier in cases where bleeding is caused by the use of drugs, to which the animal’s body responds with a peculiar reaction. Usually, after their cancellation and the appointment of hemostatic drugs, the feces are completely normal.

More difficult with dog’s exhausting diarrhea caused by an infection or parasite in the gastrointestinal tract. Here you can not do without drip procedures, which are carried out in stationary conditions, which will help restore the water balance in the animal’s body. Along the way, antibiotics are prescribed with hemostatic agents, gastroprotectors, astringents and strict adherence to the diet.

Surgical intervention is used in case of foreign bodies and detection of neoplasms, where chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be prescribed along the way.

A timely visit to a veterinarian is the only correct decision if blood and mucus are found in the pet’s feces, which will work for a speedy recovery in the future.

Treatment of hemorrhoids at home

If you want to know what hemorrhoids are and how to cure them, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will look at everything related to this unpleasant violation. This disease has many causes, and often it is not possible to establish the real culprit.

Hemorrhoids are swelling of the veins in the lower rectum and anus. This disorder is very similar to varicose veins. From time to time this problem bothers three out of four adults. Some patients develop thrombosed hemorrhoids, in which a blood clot forms at the site of the swelling. Clots are not dangerous, but can be extremely painful. Sometimes they need to be removed. Fortunately, there are many effective methods by which this disorder can be cured. Many patients get rid of its symptoms by making small lifestyle changes.

Signs of this disorder include:

• Painless bleeding during bowel movements. A person may notice a small amount of bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet,
• Itching or irritation in the anal area,
• Pain or discomfort in the same area,
• Swelling around the anus,
• Formation of a lump near the anus. This symptom of hemorrhoids indicates the possible formation of a blood clot. In this case, the anus becomes very sensitive or painful.

The manifestation of symptoms depends on the location of the disorder:

1. Internal hemorrhoids. In this case, the veins inside the rectum swell. Usually a person does not feel any discomfort and does not see signs of a violation. However, straining or irritating the bowel during emptying can damage the surface of the swollen veins and cause bleeding. Sometimes, with excessive straining, part of the rectum is pushed out through the anus. This phenomenon is known as prolapsed hemorrhoids and can cause pain and irritation.
2. Outdoor. In this case, there is swelling of the veins that are located under the skin – around the anus. If irritated, the site of swelling may itch or bleed.

It is important to understand that not all signs of hemorrhoids are specific to this disorder. Some of the symptoms that affect the anal area may indicate the presence of other diseases. This is especially true for people over 40 years of age. For example, rectal bleeding can indicate inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) and sometimes colon cancer.

If you notice:

• blood in stool or toilet paper,
• change in bowel movements,
• change in color or consistency of stool,

consult a gastroenterologist. These symptoms may indicate the presence of extensive bleeding in the digestive tract.

What are the causes of hemorrhoids?

The veins that are located around the anus tend to stretch under pressure. Due to pressure, they can swell and bulge. This happens for the following reasons:

• Straining with bowel movements,
• Prolonged toilet sitting,
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation,
• Obesity,
• Pregnancy,
• Lack of dietary fiber .

Often the signs of hemorrhoids appear with age. As the body ages, the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus weaken and can stretch.

Hemorrhoid home treatment

Many people can relieve swelling, inflammation and pain at home. Below are the recommendations of American experts. Often their application is already enough to cope with the problem. These recommendations include:

• Increase fiber in the diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains. This will soften the stool and increase its volume, which will help to avoid strong straining during a bowel movement. Thanks to this, the symptoms of hemorrhoids will not be aggravated. In order to avoid increased formation of gases, the amount of fiber in the diet should be increased gradually.
• Use of over-the-counter hemorrhoid ointments, creams, or suppositories that are inserted into the rectum. This will relieve mild pain, swelling and itching in patients with external swelling of the veins. Doctors usually recommend using these remedies for 1 week. If after this period the patient does not feel better or rashes appear around the anus, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this.
• Regular warm baths. Immerse the anus in warm water for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day. This will ease the most annoying symptom of hemorrhoids – pain.
• Keep the anal passage clean. Take a warm bath (preferably a shower) or shower daily to gently clean the skin around your anus. To dry the painful area, rub it gently or use a hair dryer.
• Do not use dry or hard toilet paper. To clean the anus after emptying, use wet toilet paper or wet wipes that do not contain alcohol or fragrance.
• Apply cold compresses to the anal area to relieve swelling.
• If necessary, take painkillers to relieve pain for a while. Paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen will do.

Often the signs of hemorrhoids go away within a week by following these recommendations. If after 7 days a person does not feel better, then you can’t do without the help of a doctor. In case of severe pain or bleeding, you should immediately seek medical help.

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids

Doctors perform one or more procedures, which are either inpatient or outpatient:

• Latex ligation. This procedure is used to treat bleeding, prolapsed hemorrhoids or knots. The doctor fixes a special rubber band around the base of the swollen vein, which stops the blood supply. The pinched part of the hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off – in most cases this happens within a week.
• Sclerotherapy . In this case, a special solution is injected into the swollen vein, which causes the formation of scar tissue. Due to the scars, the blood supply to the painful area is blocked. This procedure is performed only with internal hemorrhoids.
• Infrared photocoagulation. In this procedure, the doctor directs infrared light to the affected area. The heat that is generated from infrared light forms scar tissue. The result is known – the blood supply is blocked, and the internal hemorrhoids subside.
• Electrocoagulation. The specialist uses a device that sends an electrical current into a swollen vein in the rectum. Again, the purpose of this procedure is to form scar tissue.
• Hemorrhoidectomy. This is the surgical removal of nodules or large external or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. This manipulation is performed only if other methods of treatment do not help.
• Stitching. During this procedure, the doctor uses a special tool to stitch. With its help, internal hemorrhoids are removed, and its protruding part is inserted back into the anus. As with surgery, stapling is performed only on patients who have not been helped by non-invasive therapies.

The best diet for hemorrhoids

The main rule is to consume an adequate amount of fiber. Current dietary guidelines state that for every 1,000 calories consumed, you need to get 14 grams of fiber. To calculate the appropriate amount of this nutrient, you need to contact a nutritionist.

It is very important to increase the amount of liquid consumed when increasing the amount of fiber. It includes not only water, but also juices, compotes, tea, milk, soups.

Diet for hemorrhoids – what foods should be limited?

If the cause of this disorder is chronic constipation, try to eat less: including processed (sausages),

All of these products either contain no fiber at all, or contain a meager amount of it.

How to prevent hemorrhoids?

The best prevention of hemorrhoids is to help soften the stool, making it easier to pass it out of the rectum. To do this, experts recommend:

• Gradually increase the amount of fiber in the diet. The recommended amount for women is 25 grams per day, and for men – 38 grams.
• Drink plenty of fluids daily (alcohol is not included).
• Do not strain while having a bowel movement. Straining and holding your breath puts extra pressure on the veins in the lower rectum.
• Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need. If you endure or delay going to the toilet, the stool can dry out, making it harder to pass.
• Be active. This will help fight constipation and relieve pressure on the veins that builds up after a long period of inactivity.
• Avoid prolonged sitting in one place. When a person sits for too long, especially on the toilet, the venous pressure in the anus increases.