Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are inflamed veins in the rectum that can bleed and cause itching and pain, according to MayoClinic.com. Caused by straining during bowel movements or increased pressure in the rectum, they are rarely serious. But rectal bleeding can also be caused by more serious conditions such as cancer. Patients should see a doctor who can rule out other diseases and confirm that the bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids. The right treatment for a bleeding hemorrhoid depends on severity.
Self-treatment
If the bleeding hemorrhoids are mild, over-the-counter products may be enough to treat them, according to MayoClinic.com. These creams, ointments, suppositories or pads contain ingredients like witch hazel and hydrocortisone that can relieve pain and itching and reduce inflammation. But these products should not be used for more than a week as they can cause side effects such as rashes and irritation. Other options include warm baths, cold compresses and over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin or acetaminophen.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
If a bleeding hemorrhoid does not clear up after treatment with medication, there are a number of simple procedures that can be done on an outpatient basis, according to MayoClinic.com. The most common is called a rubber band ligation, which involves placing tiny rubber bands around the base of a hemorrhoid. The rubber bands cut off circulation to the hemorrhoid so that it shrinks and falls away within a few days. This procedure can be painful and may cause some bleeding, though it's rarely severe. Sclerotherapy involves injecting the hemorrhoid with a chemical to shrink it. This procedure is less uncomfortable than rubber band ligation but it doesn't work as well. Coagulation uses a laser, infrared light or heat to burn away small bleeding hemorrhoids. There are few side effects but the hemorrhoids are more likely to recur with this procedure than they are with rubber band ligation.
Surgery
If minimally invasive procedures do not work or the bleeding hemorrhoid is very large, an outpatient surgery may be needed, according to MayoClinic.com. In a hemorrhoidectomy, the surgeon cuts away the hemorrhoid and any extra tissue that may cause bleeding. This is the most effective way to remove a hemorrhoid but it carries the highest risk of complications. It can be painful and lead to urinary problems and infections. The other option is stapling, which blocks blood flow to the hemorrhoid. Stapling is usually less uncomfortable than hemorrhoidectomy but there is a higher chance that the hemorrhoid will come back. Also, there is a risk of damage to the rectum that may cause it to protrude from the anus.
