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Internal hemorrhoids
The difference between internal and external hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are located above the dentate line in the anal canal, at the end of the rectum, and are innervated by the autonomic nervous system. Clinically, they are mainly characterized by intermittent, painless rectal bleeding. The blood is bright red, often dripping or spraying after defecation. If internal hemorrhoids worsen, they can prolapse and even become strangulated and edematous, causing anal swelling and pain. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are located below the dentate line in the anal canal, and are innervated by the spinal nerves, making them more sensitive to pain. Clinically, they are categorized into skin tag-type external hemorrhoids, varicose vein-type external hemorrhoids, inflammatory external hemorrhoids, and thrombotic external hemorrhoids. Skin tag-type and varicose vein-type external hemorrhoids primarily cause a sensation of a foreign body and itching in the anus, while inflammatory or thrombotic external hemorrhoids can lead to an increase in perianal secretions and anal swelling and pain, necessitating prompt surgical removal of the external hemorrhoids.
Can internal hemorrhoids burst by themselves?
Internal hemorrhoids that prolapse should not be burst forcibly. As internal hemorrhoids are located at the anus, they are continuously exposed to contaminants from fecal and secretion matter over time. If the prolapsed hemorrhoids burst, it could lead to local infections and even necrosis. Therefore, do not burst prolapsed hemorrhoids, but rather, try to push them back into the anus. If they cannot be reinserted, it is recommended to opt for surgical treatment early to avoid rupture or strangulated edema, which can lead to swelling, pain, or necrosis in the anal area. Surgical options include hemorrhoidal banding, PPH, or TST procedures. Post-surgery, treatments may include the use of anal washes, red ointment gauze, aureomycin ointment, etc. Moreover, patients should eat a light diet, maintain smooth bowel movements, and regularly perform pelvic floor exercises.
How many days will it take for internal hemorrhoids to heal after prolapse?
If a patient exhibits prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, it is first recommended that a professional proctologist reposition the prolapsed hemorrhoids. If prolapse continues to recur after repositioning, the likelihood of spontaneous recovery is low, and the patient will likely need further surgical treatment. Prolapse is a common clinical symptom of hemorrhoids. If it is a simple prolapse that can retract spontaneously, symptoms can be relieved within 3 to 5 days after medication treatment. However, if the prolapse requires manual repositioning by the patient, or if it recurs repeatedly, surgical removal is necessary. Recovery from the surgery typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
How to stop bleeding from internal hemorrhoids prolapse?
If internal hemorrhoids bleeding leads to unstoppable bleeding, the most common and direct way to stop the bleeding primarily involves local ligation. The prolapse and bleeding of internal hemorrhoids are mainly due to the repeated prolapse and friction of the local mucosa causing rupture and bleeding, or the persistent bleeding from ruptured small arteries. If prompt hemostatic treatment is not administered, it could potentially lead to chronic blood loss and subsequent anemia due to decreased blood volume. Therefore, if patients experience bleeding from internal hemorrhoids, especially if the bleeding is prolonged or substantial, it is advised to visit a proctology department for relevant examinations soon. If necessary, it may be crucial to promptly proceed with internal hemorrhoidal ligation surgery.
Hemorrhoids: What dietary considerations should be noted?
Patients with internal hemorrhoids should primarily focus on a reasonable diet, paying attention to eat less or avoid spicy and stimulating foods and condiments. Additionally, they should cultivate the habit of drinking more water, preferably light salt water or honey water. For constipation and hemorrhoids, it's important to consciously drink more water and eat more fruits and fresh vegetables, especially those that are rich in coarse fiber. Stimulating foods such as chili peppers, black pepper, ginger, garlic, and onions should be consumed minimally.
Can internal hemorrhoids be treated with wet compresses?
After prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, moist compresses can be applied, but the therapeutic effect of moist compresses is not significant. The prolapse of internal hemorrhoids mainly occurs when the anal cushion pathologically enlarges and shifts downward, leading to the prolapse. If the prolapsed hemorrhoids cannot be retracted back into the anus, this can lead to incarcerated edema, causing swelling and pain around the anus. If the incarceration lasts too long, it can induce local thrombosis or even necrosis. In such cases, it is recommended to opt for surgical treatment as soon as possible. Common surgical methods include internal hemorrhoid ligation, internal hemorrhoid excision, PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), or TST (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization). After surgery, it is advisable to use anal washes or potassium permanganate solutions for sitz baths, and then apply topical treatments such as hemorrhoid creams, red oil gauze strips, and yellow ointments to promote postoperative recovery. Moreover, patients should develop good bowel habits after surgery to maintain smooth bowel movements, which further aids recovery. (Under the guidance of a doctor for medication use)
Do internal hemorrhoids cause a sensation of falling and swelling in the anus?
Internal hemorrhoids can cause a sensation of fullness or swelling in the anus. Although the main clinical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids are bleeding and prolapse of the hemorrhoidal nodes outside the anus, any stage of internal hemorrhoids can exhibit varying degrees of this sensation. Early to middle stages of internal hemorrhoids typically involve less severe swelling, while in the later stages, when the hemorrhoidal nodes prolapse, the sensation can be significantly more intense, especially after prolonged standing or physical exertion.
What should I do if internal hemorrhoids always bleed?
Internal hemorrhoids refer to the venous clumps located above the dentate line. When these hemorrhoids are injured or ruptured, bleeding during bowel movements occurs, which is the most common primary symptom in patients with internal hemorrhoids. Frequent bleeding from internal hemorrhoids can first be treated conservatively, such as by taking oral hemostatic medications, followed by the local application of hemorrhoid creams, suppositories, and the like. If bleeding consistently persists, surgical treatment may be required. Once internal hemorrhoids present symptoms of bleeding or prolapse, they typically indicate the need for surgery, hence treatment for frequent bleeding in internal hemorrhoids can be either conservative or surgical.
The difference between rectal polyps and internal hemorrhoids
Rectal polyps are skin-like mucosal protrusions that grow on the rectal mucosa, whereas internal hemorrhoids are confined to congestion and protrusion of the mucosa around the dentate line. The formation of rectal polyps is mainly due to long-term stimulation by feces, or certain constitutional and genetic factors, while the most likely cause of internal hemorrhoids is chronic congestion and edema around the anal area or the formation of venous thrombosis, leading to local varicose clusters. After the discovery of rectal polyps, it is necessary to perform surgery as soon as possible; however, the treatment for internal hemorrhoids in the early stages is primarily conservative, aimed at delaying the frequency of disease attacks and improving the quality of life for the patient. If the internal hemorrhoids reach a later stage or become severe, manifested by recurrent prolapse and rectal bleeding, surgical removal is recommended.
Can internal hemorrhoids lead to anemia?
Internal hemorrhoids bleeding easily leads to anemia in patients, especially when internal hemorrhoids bleed frequently and recurrently, or each bleeding episode is relatively severe, potentially causing a trend of decreased blood volume in patients. When blood volume reaches a certain threshold, symptoms of anemia can appear. If the anemia is assessed as mild or moderate, besides using local hemostatic hemorrhoid creams or suppositories, patients can also take oral traditional Chinese medicine that supplements qi and generates blood for symptomatic treatment, to enhance body immunity and physical constitution. If anemia primarily presents as severe, to avoid further exacerbation of anemia or impairment of overall organ functions, it is recommended that patients undergo surgical ligation for hemostasis and, if necessary, blood transfusion. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)