Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids: Although the incidence of hemorrhoids is very high, few people go to the hospital for treatment. Since it is a chronic disease, even though it causes great pain when it occurs, the symptoms can be alleviated through self-adjustment. When it does not occur, patients are just like normal people. Experts believe that in the early stage of hemorrhoids, one can improve their lifestyle and eating habits to alleviate or even eliminate hemorrhoids. However, once symptoms appear, one should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Common symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:
1. Bleeding during or after defecation, bright red in color. Sometimes there may be a small amount of blood on the surface of the stool, or the toilet paper may be stained with blood. Sometimes it may be dripping or spurting blood. Due to the rupture of the mucosa caused by feces, or due to excessive force during defecation leading to increased pressure in the blood vessels, even varicose veins may burst, causing radiating bleeding. Long-term repeated bleeding or multiple episodes of heavy bleeding can lead to anemia.
2. Prolapse: Due to the enlargement of the hemorrhoidal nucleus, it gradually separates from the muscle layer and protrudes outside the anus under the pressure of feces. Sometimes one or two hemorrhoidal nuclei protrude at the same time, sometimes all the hemorrhoidal nuclei along with the rectal mucosa protrude together. Initially, they only protrude during defecation and can return to their original position afterward. In more severe cases, manual assistance is required to push them back, or the patient needs to rest in bed to help them return to their original position. In very severe cases, besides during defecation, any effort, walking, coughing, sneezing, squatting, etc., can cause prolapse. The prolapsed hemorrhoidal nuclei are easily infected, often causing inflammation, edema, and pain, leading to incarceration and making it difficult to return to their original position.
3. Pain: Simple internal hemorrhoids generally do not cause pain, but sometimes there may be a feeling of heaviness or difficulty in defecation in the anal area. If inflammation and swelling occur, thrombosis forms inside the hemorrhoid or incarceration happens, then pain will occur; if the prolapse is not promptly reduced, the pain will increase; if incarceration occurs, ulceration and necrosis may happen, leading to inflammation and edema of the anal margin, causing severe pain, making the patient uncomfortable whether sitting or lying down.
4. Discharge of mucus: The long-term stimulation of the rectal mucosa by the hemorrhoidal nucleus causes an increase in secretions. In late-stage internal hemorrhoids, due to the relaxation of the anal sphincter muscle, secretions often flow out of the anus. In mild cases, it flows out during defecation, while in severe cases, it naturally flows out without defecation, soiling the underwear and causing great inconvenience to the patient. During the prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, more secretions are produced.
5. Itching: Due to the stimulation of secretions or prolapsed hemorrhoidal nuclei, the area around the anus remains moist and unclean, leading to eczema and itching. Sometimes itching is caused by the reflex action of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.
6. Hemorrhoidal attack: Normally, internal hemorrhoids have mild symptoms and little pain. However, if there is constipation or diarrhea, or excessive fatigue, the symptoms can suddenly worsen, known as a hemorrhoidal attack. During a hemorrhoidal attack, the hemorrhoidal nucleus suddenly swells, becomes prominent, hot, painful, pulsates, and gives a sensation of being filled with something foreign. Due to the squeezing by dry feces, it is easy to rupture and bleed, causing tenesmus. The attack lasts 3-5 days, and if treated properly, the swelling gradually subsides, the thrombus is absorbed, and the hemorrhoidal nucleus softens and shrinks. Sometimes the swelling does not subside, and due to infection, suppuration, necrosis, or obstruction of blood circulation, the hemorrhoidal nucleus may undergo necrosis.
External Treatment Methods for Internal Hemorrhoids: Experts from Beijing Dongda Hospital point out external treatment methods for internal hemorrhoids, which involve treating through external medication. Different external treatment methods are usually used to treat different stages of internal hemorrhoid symptoms. Below, we introduce some external treatment methods for internal hemorrhoids.
1. Fumigation and washing: For all stages of internal hemorrhoids, medicinal herbs can be boiled in water, and the affected area can be fumigated first and then washed.
2. External application: In the early stage of internal hemorrhoids, if the surface of the hemorrhoidal nucleus is ulcerated and exuding fluid, and surgery cannot be performed immediately, the affected area can first be fumigated with the above method, then fivefold powder, hemorrhoid powder plus alum powder can be externally applied. External application has the effect of clearing heat, reducing swelling, relieving pain, and stopping bleeding, which can shrink the hemorrhoidal nucleus and heal ulcers.
3. Inserting medicine: For I, II, III stage internal hemorrhoids and those who cannot apply medicine conveniently after internal hemorrhoid surgery, the medicine can be made into ointment or suppository and inserted into the anus to achieve the purpose of clearing heat, reducing swelling, relieving pain, and stopping bleeding.
How to Prevent Internal Hemorrhoids:
1. Try not to sit or stand for too long, avoiding stagnation of blood in the anal area.
2. Soak in warm water for 30 minutes after defecation, which cleanses and promotes blood circulation.
3. Exercise (at least 15 minutes, avoid wind when sweating, persist) to promote blood circulation.
4. Patients with hemorrhoids often worsen their condition due to excessive drinking and consuming spicy foods such as chili peppers, mustard, pepper, ginger, etc. Therefore, patients with hemorrhoids should pay attention to dietary hygiene, avoid binge eating, restrain or not eat spicy stimulating foods. Eat more vegetables and fruits, drink more water. Vegetables rich in fiber, such as celery, green vegetables, spinach, cabbage, loofah, etc., can increase intestinal peristalsis and are suitable for habitual constipation sufferers.
5. Pregnant women suffering from hemorrhoids should avoid sitting for long periods, prevent constipation, and correct fetal position in time. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and animal oils, and appropriately consume sesame seeds, honey, to keep stools smooth.
6. Elderly patients with hemorrhoids can often take black sesame seeds, honey, etc., to keep stools smooth.
7. Patients undergoing hemorrhoid surgery should relieve psychological concerns before surgery. Generally, a low-residue diet is recommended on the day of surgery, and regular diet can be resumed the next day. Some patients are afraid to eat more, fearing that defecation will cause pain and wound infections. To maintain smooth bowel movements, patients can be encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, oranges, celery, spinach, etc., which are easy to digest and low in fat. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods like onions, ginger, garlic.
Warm Reminder: Do not overlook anal diseases. If symptoms appear, please seek medical attention at a regular specialized hospital as soon as possible. Beijing Dongda Hospital has authoritative anal experts online to answer your disease questions, provide professional treatment plans based on your condition, and keep your privacy confidential. If you need consultation, please click to consult and communicate online with anal experts.
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