How Should Anal Bleeding Be Treated?

Anal bleeding is a troubling issue for many people, especially when it is caused by pathological factors which can often be complex. Therefore, understanding the cause of the bleeding is crucial when treating anal bleeding. Clinically, many diseases related to the anus and rectum are the main causes of anal bleeding. The treatment options for these diseases include conservative treatment and surgical treatment. So how should anal bleeding be treated?

If bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids, it is necessary to prevent constipation promptly, use hemorrhoid medication, and adjust diet accordingly. The diet should be as bland as possible, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Surgical treatment may also be considered. For bleeding caused by anal fissures, a bland diet and topical medication are recommended. Surgical treatment may be necessary in severe cases. For temporary excessive dryness of stool that causes anal skin tears and soft tissue injuries, dietary adjustments should be made to keep the stool soft and avoid further compression on the local tissue.

Clinically, the most common causes of anal bleeding are hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Hemorrhoid bleeding is typically characterized by painless intermittent post-defecation bleeding, sometimes even shooting blood, with a relatively large amount of bright red blood. The bleeding caused by hemorrhoids is usually separate from the stool and has a bright red color. Other symptoms may include blood in the stool, dripping blood, and bloodstains on toilet paper. Ulcerative colitis can also cause bleeding, with blood color ranging from bright to dark, often mixed with stool. Mucus and pus may also be present in the stool. Patients with this condition often experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

If conservative treatment with medication fails to control bleeding symptoms, surgical treatment for hemorrhoids should be considered. Bleeding from anal fissures is accompanied by anal pain during defecation and relatively less bleeding. Fresh anal fissures can be treated conservatively with medication, and most fissures can heal. However, chronic anal fissures may require surgical treatment. Additionally, anal fistulas, polyps, tumors, and rectal inflammation in the rectum can also cause bleeding. It is necessary to identify the cause and adopt corresponding treatment accordingly.