The difference between blood in stool and hemorrhoids

Constipation and hemorrhoids are two completely different diseases, but there is a great connection between the two. Hemorrhoids are a lump of flesh that appears in the anal area. In more serious cases, complications such as blood in the stool may occur. Blood in the stool will appear around the anus. In addition to hemorrhoids, this symptom can also be caused by factors such as anorectal inflammation, proctitis, and rectal cancer.  

1. There are many reasons for bloody stools, in addition to hemorrhoids, there are colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, colon polyps, and anal fissures.

Therefore, we cannot take blood in the stool for granted as hemorrhoids.

After discovering blood in the stool, be sure to find out the cause in time. Finding out the cause is the first step in treatment.

2. Is it hemorrhoids? Or cancer?

Is blood in the stool caused by hemorrhoids? Is it cancer? How do doctors tell the difference?

There are two main methods:

Digital rectal examination: Digital rectal examination can examine 8 to 9 cm of the intestine, and can preliminarily differentiate between hemorrhoids and rectal cancer. If the digital examination is suspicious, a colonoscopy is required; Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy can examine the entire colon and is an important means of detecting intestinal polyps and cancer.

In particular, those who have blood in their stools should undergo a colonoscopy.

3. How should people with a history of hemorrhoids be vigilant?

The reason for hemorrhoid bleeding is that feces abrasion and squeezing cause bleeding during defecation. Most of the blood drips down with the feces after discharge, usually dripping blood after defecation, or blood on toilet paper after defecation. It usually does not mix with feces, and the color is mostly bright red, with little mucus.

The cause of tumor bleeding is tumor necrosis, continuous bleeding or oozing. Therefore, it is usually mixed in the stool. The blood is slightly darker in color and is often mixed with mucus or pus.

If a person with a history of hemorrhoids experiences weight loss, worsening constipation, increased bowel movement frequency, or a change in the nature of blood in the stool, a colonoscopy should be performed promptly. Don’t take hemorrhoids lightly. Although hemorrhoids may seem like a minor problem, they can also cause people all kinds of troubles and need to be treated properly. Formal treatment and adjustment of lifestyle habits are the best options.

There are three principles for the treatment of hemorrhoids:

1. Asymptomatic hemorrhoids do not require treatment;

2. For symptomatic hemorrhoids, the focus is on alleviating or eliminating the symptoms rather than curing them;

3. Surgical treatment if necessary.

Treatment options include:

1. Warm water sitz bath can improve local blood circulation and also has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects.

2. Using oil or suppository in the anal canal has lubricating and astringent effects, which can relieve local discomfort symptoms.

3. When bleeding is severe, oral medication can be used to promote reflux and reduce blood flow in the hemorrhoidal veins.

4. It is also important to develop good living habits, including increasing activities, avoiding sitting for long periods of time, eating more fruits and vegetables, and treating constipation in a timely manner.