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 Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Will internal hemorrhoids falling out be painful?

If internal hemorrhoids can retract back into the anus on their own after prolapse, they generally do not cause severe pain. However, if the prolapse lasts for a long time or occurs repeatedly, and if the mucous membrane of the hemorrhoid core ruptures and bleeds due to friction from walking or exercising, this can lead to pain due to the localized prolapse. It may even lead to congestion and swelling of the local hemorrhoid core after prolapse, thereby causing inflammatory edematous hemorrhoids, further intensifying the pain. Therefore, to avoid pain from internal hemorrhoids, or for those that prolapse and cannot retract back, it is advisable to actively use medications for treatment at the early stages of prolapse. For recurrent cases, direct internal hemorrhoid ligation surgery can also be performed.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Precautions for Internal Hemorrhoids Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is the primary clinical manifestation of internal hemorrhoids. When rectal bleeding occurs, it's essential first to rule out whether the bleeding is definitely from internal hemorrhoids because rectal bleeding can be caused by many diseases, including malignant tumors. Once it's determined that the bleeding is from internal hemorrhoids, it is important to pay attention to whether the volume of blood is large, the duration of bleeding is long, and the frequency of bleeding is high, and whether there is frequent or daily bleeding. If so, it will exceed the body's ability to replenish blood through its hematopoietic function, leading to severe systemic anemia.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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Why do internal hemorrhoids prolapse without pain, itching, or bleeding?

Internal hemorrhoids that prolapse but do not hurt, itch, or bleed are primarily due to the large size of the prolapsed hemorrhoids and severe varicose veins underneath them, which leads to prolapse. At this time, they are less likely to bleed and will not cause itching. Since 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, they also do not cause pain. However, if internal hemorrhoids remain prolapsed at the anus for a long time, they can easily lead to local inflammatory edema, causing local pain and even a significant increase in secretion from the anal area. Therefore, when internal hemorrhoids prolapse, they should be pushed back into the anus as soon as possible. If repositioning is not possible, it is recommended to promptly undergo a hemorrhoid banding procedure, and regularly perform pelvic floor exercises to ensure smooth bowel movements.

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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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Do internal hemorrhoids require surgery?

The clinical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids are numerous, and surgery is only recommended if the internal hemorrhoids frequently recur, or if the clinical symptoms are severe. Severe internal hemorrhoids are primarily characterized by substantial rectal bleeding or recurrent prolapses, and due to repeated prolapses, friction on the local mucosa may even cause anal pain. A severe symptom of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids is that after each prolapse, the patient needs to manually reposition them, accompanied by jet-like or dripping fresh red rectal bleeding. Surgical methods for internal hemorrhoids mainly include hemorrhoidectomy with ligation or local injection of sclerosing agents.