What are the Clinical Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids?

The clinical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include rectal bleeding, difficulty and pain in defecation, mucus discharge, etc. As the condition progresses, prolapse of internal hemorrhoids may also occur.

1. Rectal Bleeding: Bleeding occurs after or during defecation, with bright red blood. Sometimes, a small amount of blood is attached to the surface of the stool or stains the toilet paper. Sometimes,滴血 (dripping blood) or射血 (ejecting blood) occurs. Prolonged or repeated bleeding in large amounts can also lead to iron deficiency anemia.

2. Difficulty and Pain in Defecation: Sometimes, there is only a sensation of anal fullness or difficulty in defecation. If there is inflammation and swelling, or if thrombosis or incarceration occurs within the hemorrhoid, pain may be experienced. If not reset in time, the pain intensifies. If incarceration or necrosis occurs, causing inflammation and edema of the anal margin, the pain is severe, making the patient restless.

3. Mucus Discharge: The rectal mucosa is stimulated by the hemorrhoid for a long time, causing an increase in secretions. In advanced stages of internal hemorrhoids, due to relaxation of the anal sphincter, secretions may flow out of the anus. In mild cases, mucus flows out during defecation; in severe cases, it flows out naturally even without defecation, contaminating underwear and causing great inconvenience to the patient. When the hemorrhoid prolapses, more secretions are produced.

4. Prolapse of Internal Hemorrhoids: Due to the enlarged size of the hemorrhoid, it is squeezed by feces during defecation, gradually detaching from the muscular layer and prolapsing outside the anus. In severe cases, besides prolapsing during defecation, it may also prolapse during activities such as exertion, walking, coughing, sneezing, and squatting. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are highly susceptible to infection, with each incidence of inflammation, edema, and pain leading to incarceration, making resetting difficult.

The above symptoms represent the clinical manifestations of internal hemorrhoids. If any of these symptoms appear, prompt treatment should be sought at a formal hospital.