Can internal hemorrhoids heal on their own?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 01, 2024
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To determine whether internal hemorrhoids bleeding is self-healing, one should primarily assess the amount of bleeding and the duration of bleeding to further evaluate the severity of the condition. If it is the first occurrence or if the bleeding is mostly noticeable on toilet paper and is relatively minor, self-healing of internal hemorrhoids bleeding can be achieved through lubrication of the stool during defecation and, if necessary, oral administration of cooling blood-stopping medications. However, if the bleeding duration is prolonged, or if the amount of bleeding is significant each time, it is unlikely to achieve complete healing simply through lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, or even medication. Further surgical ligation and hemostasis treatment may be required for the patient.

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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.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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The harm of internal hemorrhoids prolapse

Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids are one of the main clinical manifestations of internal hemorrhoids, and their harm is mainly manifested in two aspects: Firstly, the prolapse of hemorrhoidal tissue outside the anus can lead to perianal skin eczema and itching, and anal eczema. Secondly, it can lead to incarcerated hemorrhoids, where the prolapsed internal hemorrhoid, held by the sphincter, forms congestion, and is accompanied by hardening of the hemorrhoidal tissue, pain, and even necrosis.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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What foods should be avoided if there is bleeding from internal hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids bleeding is the main clinical symptom of internal hemorrhoids; the amount of bleeding can vary greatly and is usually bright red. It can spray out or drip out. Patients with internal hemorrhoids bleeding are advised to avoid eating chili peppers and drinking alcohol. This is because chili peppers contain a component called capsaicin, which strongly irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa and can dilate blood vessels, exacerbating the bleeding. Alcohol can also dilate blood vessels and worsen the bleeding.

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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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What should I do about internal hemorrhoids?

In clinical practice, the treatment of internal hemorrhoids mainly depends on the symptoms presented by the patient, and an appropriate treatment method is selected accordingly. For example, patients with early-stage internal hemorrhoids who experience intermittent rectal bleeding are usually advised to use hemorrhoid suppositories or ointments after defecation. However, as the condition of internal hemorrhoids worsens, which might include prolapse or even symptoms of anemia, surgical treatment is often recommended. Clinically, surgery for internal hemorrhoids can involve sclerotherapy injections, hemorrhoidal banding, or other surgical methods such as PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids) or TST (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization). Post-surgery, dressing changes are necessary, and products such as rectal cleansing solutions, oil gauze strips, or ointments are commonly used. Moreover, it is crucial for patients to maintain smooth bowel movements post-surgery to avoid wound infection, bleeding, or edema, and they should adhere to a light diet avoiding spicy, stimulating, and dry foods. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication use.)