What is the difference between bleeding from an anal fissure and bleeding from hemorrhoids?

Jul 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, the main differences between anal fissure bleeding and hemorrhoid bleeding include the bleeding condition, pain presentation, lesion location, inducing factors, and the impact on defecation. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a reputable hospital. In daily life, one should maintain a healthy diet, avoid prolonged sitting, and keep regular bowel movements to prevent anorectal diseases.

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

1. Bleeding Condition

Anal fissure bleeding typically presents as blood on the surface of stool or dripping after defecation, with small amounts of blood visible when wiping with toilet paper, and no jet-like bleeding; Hemorrhoid bleeding can manifest as dripping or jet-like bleeding, with varying amounts, not mixed with stool, and often stops spontaneously.

2. Pain Manifestation

Anal fissure bleeding is accompanied by typical cyclical pain—severe pain during defecation, temporary relief after bowel movement, followed by renewed severe pain due to sphincter spasm, lasting for a prolonged period; Hemorrhoid bleeding is usually painless, although persistent distending or stabbing pain may occur with external hemorrhoidal thrombosis or inflammation, differing from the pain pattern of anal fissures.

3. Lesion Location

Anal fissure bleeding originates from a skin tear or ulcer in the anal canal below the dentate line, commonly occurring at the posterior midline of the anal canal; Hemorrhoid bleeding arises from venous clusters beneath the mucosa of the lower rectum or anal canal skin, with internal hemorrhoids located above the dentate line and external hemorrhoids below it.

4. Inducing Factors

Anal fissure bleeding is often caused by dry, hard stools tearing the anal skin during constipation, with frequent diarrhea or anal canal stenosis also potentially inducing it; Hemorrhoid bleeding is commonly caused by increased abdominal pressure, such as straining during constipation, prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, obesity, and other conditions that elevate venous pressure leading to rupture.

5. Effects on Defecation

Patients with anal fissures often fear defecation due to pain, easily forming a vicious cycle of constipation worsening the fissure; Patients with hemorrhoids generally do not significantly resist defecation due to bleeding, but may experience anal heaviness or a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

In daily life, attention should be paid to healthy dietary habits, avoiding prolonged sitting, and maintaining smooth bowel movements to prevent anorectal diseases.

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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.