What does it mean when there is bleeding from the anus?
Dec 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cheng Yicheng
Introduction
Anal bleeding may be caused by anal fissures, which mainly occur in patients who are bedridden for long periods or suffer from chronic constipation. In addition to blood in the stool, it is often accompanied by severe pain. It could also be due to hemorrhoids; in such cases, the blood typically appears as dripping, bright red in color, and severe internal hemorrhoids may even cause jet-like bleeding. Additionally, it might be caused by malignant colorectal tumors.
If you suffer from severe constipation or diseases such as hemorrhoids, you may experience symptoms of anal bleeding. If the bleeding is minimal, it generally isn't a major concern; however, if episodes occur frequently and involve significant blood loss, prompt and effective treatment must be sought to stop the bleeding. So, what causes anal bleeding?
What Causes Anal Bleeding?
Anal bleeding may be caused by anal fissures, which commonly affect individuals who are bedridden for long periods or suffer from chronic constipation. Besides blood in the stool, patients often experience severe pain. Hemorrhoids are another possible cause—bleeding typically appears as dripping bright red blood during bowel movements, and severe internal hemorrhoids can even result in jet-like bleeding. Rectal malignant tumors may also lead to bleeding, especially in advanced stages, when blood appears in the stool along with irregular bowel habits and diarrhea. Additionally, blood in the stool can occur when blood vessels in the mucosal lining rupture.
If anal bleeding occurs, hemostatic medications such as vitamin K1 and etamsylate should be used promptly. At the same time, primary conditions should be treated with medications like Huazhiling tablets and phenolphthalein tablets, while topical treatments such as musk hemorrhoid ointment and Kaisailu may be applied locally. In severe cases, timely surgical suturing, physical therapies, or sclerotherapy injections may be necessary. Physical treatments including electrocoagulation, laser therapy, ultra-low temperature cryotherapy, and hyperthermia have shown significant efficacy against anal bleeding. Patients should choose an appropriate treatment plan under medical guidance. Sclerotherapy can effectively eliminate existing lesions and achieve hemostasis. In clinical practice, sclerosing atrophic agents and necrotizing agents for hemorrhoid sloughing are primarily injected into hemorrhoids for treatment. However, this therapy carries certain side effects, so it should be used cautiously.
When experiencing anal bleeding, patients should seek timely medical attention and avoid self-medicating blindly. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you good health and a happy life.
