Bleeding Hemorrhoids

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Hemorrhoids are a common condition and can be either internal or external. External hemorrhoids tend to be more painful than smaller internal ones however, internal hemorrhoids may swell and protrude from the anus and become quite painful. Both internal and external hemorrhoids may bleed. These bleeding hemorrhoids may cause bright red streaks of blood on toilet paper, in the toilet after a bowel movement and on the surface of the stool.

While bleeding is the most common sign of bleeding hemorrhoids, there are other symptoms that may accompany the conditions such as: itching, oozing, swelling and pain.

Most smaller internal bleeding hemorrhoids will clear themselves up without the need of medications or other treatments. For external or those internal types that don't heal themselves, there are over the counter creams and hot sitz baths that may help ease some of the symptoms. If a pain reliever is needed, avoid aspirin containing tablets as they are likely to cause more bleeding. Choose instead, acetaminophen containing medicines such as Tylenol.

Hemorrhoids and bleeding hemorrhoids can at times be quite painful and at the very least, quite uncomfortable. Although rare, internal hemorrhoids can bugle from the anus and become pinched by the muscles that control it's opening and closing. If this occurs, it is called a strangulated hemorrhoid and is extremely painful and require urgent medical treatment as it is a serious condition.

When bleeding from the rectum occurs, it's important to be sure it's source is in fact bleeding hemorrhoids. If one is unsure of the origin of the bleeding, it's imperative that a healthcare provider be consulted. Rectal bleeding can be a sign of a much more serious illness than hemorrhoids. Also, if after one week of at home treatment, the condition does not seem to show signs of improvement, a doctor should be consulted.

After bleeding hemorrhoids are healed it's necessary for some lifestyle change to occur. The reason for this is that hemorrhoids can usually be prevented by eating a diet that is high in fiber and drinking plenty of water. This will aid in softer, easier to pass stools. Also, avoiding caffeine and alcohol will help to keep the stools wet and easier to pass. Of course, if the hemorrhoids are from other conditions such as pregnancy, one the baby is born and the added pressure on the bowels is removed, the frequency of hemorrhoids is likely to subside.