can hemorrhoid bleeding cause death?

7 Comments

1. KaseyT33 says:

   October 18, 2009 at 9:58 pm

   If you’re seeing a small amount of blood in the toilet or on the paper, chances are you won’t die. If the bleeding is profuse – can’t leave the toilet or it’ll be everywhere (to be blunt) – you better get to the ER. You could have a dangerous problem on your hands.
2. gillianprowe says:

   October 18, 2009 at 9:58 pm

   If it is controlled no, but obviously if you have many hemorrhoids and loose lots of blood, yes.
3. Bob W says:

   October 18, 2009 at 9:58 pm

   Yes, my uncle died of a bleeding hemmy last week. It only took hours to bleed out. Get to the ER!
4. pai says:

   October 18, 2009 at 9:58 pm

   DESCRIPTION

   Dilated (varicose) veins of the rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids may be located at the beginning of the anal canal (internal hemorrhoids), or at the anal opening (external hemorrhoids). Hemorrhoids may be present for years but go undetected until bleeding occurs.

   FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

   Rectal bleeding. Bright-red blood may appear as streaks on toilet paper adhering to fecal residue, or it may be a slow trickle for a short while following bowel movements. It almost always colors the toilet water.
   Pain, itching or mucus discharge after bowel movements.
   A lump that can be felt in the anus.
   A sensation that the rectum has not emptied completely after a bowel movement (large hemorrhoids only).
   Inflammation and swelling.

   CAUSES

   Repeated pressure in the anal or rectal veins.

   RISK INCREASES WITH

   Diet that lacks fiber.
   Constipation.
   Prolonged sitting (especially truck drivers and pilots) or prolonged standing.
   Obesity.
   Pregnancy
   Loss of muscle tone due.
   Liver disease.
   Anal intercourse.
   Colon malignancy. (rare)

   PREVENTIVE MEASURES

   Don’t try to hurry bowel movements, but avoid straining and prolonged sitting on the toilet. Lose weight if you are overweight.
   Include plenty of fiber in your diet.
   Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
   Exercise regularly.

   EXPECTED OUTCOME

   Hemorrhoids usually clear up with proper care.

   TREATMENT:

   GENERAL MEASURES

   Diagnosis may include an anoscopy (visual examination of the anus by means of a short tube called an anoscope)
   Treatment is aimed at easing the symptoms.
   Never strain to push stool out if you have a history of hemorrhoids.
   Lift feet on a low footstool to aid bowel movement.
   Surgery may be required in stubborn cases.

   FOR ACUTE ATTACKS

   - Clean the anal area gently with soft, moist paper after each bowel movement.
   - To relieve pain, sit in 8 to 10 inches of warm water for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day.
   To reduce pain and swelling of a blood clot or protruding hemorrhoid, stay in bed for 1 day and apply ice packs to the anal area.
   Use recommended medications.

   MEDICATIONS

   For minor pain, itching, or to reduce swelling, you may use non-prescription drugs that are formulated to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids.
   Stool softener, if a laxative is needed.
   Anusol HC or similar hemmorhoid preparations.

   NOTIFY THE OFFICE IF:

   A hard lump develops where a hemorrhoid has been.
   Hemorrhoids cause severe pain that isn’t relieved by treatment above.
   Rectal bleeding is excessive (more than a trace or streak on toilet paper or stool).