Can internal hemorrhoids lead to anemia?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 27, 2024
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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.)

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Can internal hemorrhoids that protrude outside the anus be cured by taking medicine?

Internal hemorrhoids that prolapse outside the anus cannot be cured by medication alone. This is because when internal hemorrhoids prolapse, it indicates a significant pathological enlargement and downward displacement of the anal cushions, which are structural changes. Merely taking medication will not result in significant improvement; surgery is the primary option at this point. For this condition, surgical options such as PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids) or TST (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization) can be employed. Consistent postoperative care and dressing changes can facilitate recovery. Because prolapsed internal hemorrhoids are located at the anal opening, if not treated surgically, they can lead to impaired blood flow, which may cause incarceration leading to edema or thrombosis, and even potentially result in infected necrosis. Therefore, early surgical intervention is required for prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. Additionally, patients should regularly perform anal sphincter exercises, avoid straining excessively during bowel movements, and not spend too much time on the toilet.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can I exercise more if I have internal hemorrhoids bleeding?

If the patient is in a period of internal hemorrhoids bleeding, it is not advised for the patient to engage in excessive exercise and physical training, as the local mucosa is ruptured and bleeding during this period. Excessive exercise can potentially increase the pressure inside the local blood vessels, thereby increasing the amount of bleeding or worsening the condition. During internal hemorrhoids bleeding, related hemostatic treatments are necessary to prevent anemia from long-term repeated bleeding. Treatment mainly involves oral or topical hemostatic drugs. In terms of exercise and training, it is recommended to primarily walk gently and avoid vigorous exercises. If conservative medication does not effectively treat the bleeding, surgical ligation can also be considered for hemostasis. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Will internal hemorrhoids be painful?

If internal hemorrhoids experience local mucosal rupture or repeated prolapse leading to friction of the mucosa, it is likely to cause pain and even bleeding. To avoid pain caused by internal hemorrhoids, it is recommended that patients use hemorrhoid suppositories for local administration in the rectum for early flare-ups to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and cool and stop bleeding. If internal hemorrhoids prolapse and cannot retract back into the anal canal on their own after each prolapse, it is suggested that patients consider surgery to ligate and excise the affected internal hemorrhoids, or inject sclerosants under the mucosa of the hemorrhoids to cause local mucosal consolidation and shedding. Patients with internal hemorrhoids are advised not to strain excessively during bowel movements to avoid worsening local congestion and edema.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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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.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Do internal hemorrhoids require surgery?

Surgical indications for internal hemorrhoids include bleeding and prolapse of anal masses. These symptoms necessitate surgical treatment. Secondly, if scheduling surgery is not possible due to being busy, conservative treatment like applying ointment to the anus or taking medication can be used initially to alleviate the symptoms. If conservative treatment fails, it is still not too late to opt for surgery. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)