What is the difference between intestinal bleeding and hemorrhoidal bleeding?

Jul 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, the main differences between intestinal bleeding and hemorrhoidal bleeding include the bleeding pattern, pain presentation, lesion location, triggering factors, and the impact on bowel movements. If any discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, attention should be paid to dietary hygiene, avoiding overeating, and undergoing regular intestinal examinations to facilitate early detection and treatment of intestinal diseases.

Generally speaking, the main differences between intestinal bleeding and hemorrhoid bleeding include the bleeding characteristics, pain manifestation, lesion location, inducing factors, and effects on defecation. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Bleeding Characteristics

Intestinal bleeding may present with varying blood colors—bright red, dark red, or black—depending on the bleeding site and speed. The blood is often mixed with stool, and the amount may vary from small to large. Severe cases may even present with hematemesis (vomiting blood). Hemorrhoid bleeding typically presents as bright red blood, not mixed with stool, manifesting as dripping bleeding, jet-like bleeding, or blood on toilet paper. The bleeding amount can vary but often stops spontaneously.

2. Pain Manifestation

Intestinal bleeding caused by inflammation, tumors, or other conditions may be accompanied by abdominal pain. The location of pain correlates with the bleeding site and may manifest as dull pain or colicky pain. Hemorrhoid bleeding generally does not cause pain. However, when thrombosis or inflammation occurs in external hemorrhoids, there may be distending or stabbing pain in the anal area, differing in location and nature from the abdominal pain associated with intestinal bleeding.

3. Lesion Location

Intestinal bleeding can occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine, colon, rectum, etc., such as bleeding from gastric ulcers, colonic polyps, or rectal tumors. Hemorrhoid bleeding originates from venous clusters beneath the mucosa of the lower rectum and anal skin. Internal hemorrhoids are located above the dentate line, while external hemorrhoids are located below the dentate line.

4. Inducing Factors

Intestinal bleeding can be induced by various factors such as intestinal inflammation, ulcers, tumors, vascular malformations, or intestinal trauma. Irregular eating habits and consumption of irritating foods may also trigger or exacerbate bleeding. Hemorrhoid bleeding is commonly caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as straining during bowel movements due to constipation, prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, or obesity, which elevate venous pressure and lead to rupture.

5. Effects on Defecation

If intestinal bleeding is accompanied by intestinal dysfunction, symptoms such as alternating diarrhea and constipation or changes in bowel habits (e.g., increased frequency or altered stool shape) may occur. Hemorrhoid bleeding generally does not significantly alter bowel habits, although a mild sensation of incomplete evacuation may occur due to anal discomfort.

In daily life, attention should be paid to dietary hygiene, avoiding overeating, and regular intestinal examinations should be conducted for early detection and treatment of intestinal diseases. Maintaining good bowel habits is also important for preventing hemorrhoids.

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How to relieve hemorrhoidal bleeding?

In general, rectal bleeding caused by hemorrhoids may be due to factors such as constipation with straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting or standing, mucosal damage of internal hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidal infection, or rupture of thrombosed external hemorrhoids. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then relieve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through conservative management, medication, or surgical treatment. In daily life, you should avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods to reduce irritation to the hemorrhoids.

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Can figs treat hemorrhoidal bleeding?

In general, figs cannot treat hemorrhoidal bleeding. When consuming, choose fresh and ripe figs, and avoid eating unripe ones to prevent irritation of the intestines. Control the amount consumed; do not eat too many at once to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. If you are allergic to figs, do not consume them. If symptoms of hemorrhoidal bleeding occur frequently or involve significant bleeding,

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Why does red-fleshed dragon fruit cause red-colored stool?

Red stools after consuming red-fleshed dragon fruit may be caused by factors such as unabsorbed pigments, rapid digestion, hemorrhoidal bleeding, rectal polyps, or ulcerative colitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the exact cause, followed by symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. If stools turn red after consuming red-fleshed dragon fruit but no other discomfort is present, discontinue consumption and observe for 1–2 days.