Rectal Bleeding
Hemorrhoids or Something Else?

Rectal bleeding (or anal bleeding) is brought about by many medical conditions, such as infection of the colon, diverticulosis and skin tearing or cracking of the anal canal. However, hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of a bleeding rectum.

Bleeding hemorrhoids are caused by the weakening of the rectal veins and valves, severe constipation, prolonged sitting and squatting, uncontrolled blood pressure, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption and pregnancy. Thus, when you see blood coming from your anus, it is important to consult your physician to determine its exact cause.

If you have been diagnosed with hemorrhoids and your butt is in total pain, could it get so much worse? Hemorrhoids are one of the most embarrassing medical conditions. The pain, the itch and the overall discomfort that one feels with hemorrhoids can greatly disrupt his daily activities. One of the many challenges in hemorrhoids is it can get worse, and bleeding hemorrhoids usually indicates that the complications have ensued.

The exact cause of hemorrhoids is unclear, but it is generally accepted that hemorrhoids are attributed to impaired venous blood flow of the rectal vein. Once the blood cannot normally flow through the veins, the pressure placed against the walls of the veins significantly increases, bulging and rupturing the rectal veins.

Bleeding hemorrhoids, most especially the external hemorrhoids are observed with the pooling of blood beneath the skin and subsequently forming deep red to blue bump called a hematoma.

Bleeding hemorrhoids can both occur in the internal and external types. Bleeding from internal hemorrhoids is usually manifested with bright red blood that is separated from the stools. It could manifest from bloody streaks on the tissue as you wipe your anus to coloring the water in the toilet red.

Internal hemorrhoids are more vulnerable to recurrent bleeding, which increases the risk for anemia. Bleeding hemorrhoids are rare with the external type. Individuals with bleeding internal hemorrhoids should be cautious since the bleeding hemorrhoids might be a manifestation of other severe gastrointestinal conditions, such as anal fissure and fistula.

The external hemorrhoids are not usually at risk for bleeding, but once they do, it can get really bloody.

Bleeding hemorrhoids can get uncomfortable and painful. You do not only deal with the bleeding but also with anal itching, swelling and painful movement of the bowel.

One effective relief for bleeding hemorrhoids is the intake of apple cider vinegar diluted with water after every meal.

It is also recommended to include apple cider in your sitz baths to relieve pain and itchiness. Grape seed oil and yarrow, a natural astringent, are also recommended to give an effective relief for bleeding hemorrhoids.

Though relief measures can be applied to relieve bleeding hemorrhoids, it is recommended to see your doctor right away to prevent the occurrence of complications such as anemia.

Specific diagnostic examinations are usually indicated to determine the exact cause of rectal bleeding. Medications, such as ferrous sulfate or iron, are prescribed to relieve anemia, if you are found to have a low red blood cell count.

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