How to Know if Your Rectal Bleeding Is Serious

Written by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG | Updated On 06-26-2025

Figure out whether your rectal bleeding is severe

It can be frightening to find the blood following a bowel movement. You could ask yourself: Is this normal? or Should I panic? At Gastrodoxs we think everybody wants straightforward and cordial advice. Houston gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, takes you through the signs that most often indicate possibly serious rectal bleeding when it is best to remain calm in this post.

I inform my patients in the Texas Medical Center that every bleeding is not an emergency, says Dr. Pothuri. However, complications can be avoided.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• What causes rectal bleeding
• Red flags vs. mild cases
• What to do when there is a lot of bright red blood in toilet no pain
• The time to be concerned with blood in stool
• What the difference between bright red blood in stool and any other kind of painless blood could be
• You should call your Houston gastroenterologist when

Learning about Rectal Bleeding

What is rectal bleeding?

Rectal bleeding refers to any type of blood that comes out of your anus. You may notice:

• And to-ileum all around, bright red
• Drops of blood in the toilet bowl
• Tarry stools (called melena) are dark

Why it happens

Blood is visible when small blood-vessels in your lower digestive system are broken or inflamed. The most frequent areas are the rectum, anus or the end of your colon.

Common (Usually Mild) Causes

1. Hemorrhoids

• Puffy veins round your anus
• Symptoms: blood on the surface of the stool of bright red color, itching, soreness

2. Anal fissures

• Small holes in anus lining
• Symptoms: acute pain during bowel movement, the presence of small blood spots

3. Minor trauma

• Feces or wiping excessively
• Symptoms: slight pain, little spurts of blood

Dr. Pothuri, In Houston, benign causes of these conditions occur in more than half of the cases in a variety of clinics.

Symptoms of Severe Rectal Hemsorrhage

Some of the bleeding is not mild or painless. Watch for these red flags:

• Considerable quantity of bright red blood in toilet painless
• Intractable painless bright red stool
• Black, tar-like stools (melena)
• Blood mixed with stool
• Light headedness or faintness
• Fast pulse or hypertension
• Barring pain or abdominal cramps

How to know when to be concerned about blood in the stool?

When the amount of blood exceeds a teaspoon, or persists two days, the time has come to call your doctor, according to Dr. Pothuri.

Bleeding Painlessly in the Spotlight

Bright red blood in stools which does not cause pain can be misleading. You can have no pain but a passable quantity of blood. Common causes include:

• Internal hemorrhoids
• Angiogenic malformations (angiodysplasia)
• Colon or rectal cancer at a young age (uncommon, but theoretically can occur)

You may also use the delay tactic because you are not in discomfort, says Dr. Pothuri, but any bloody recurrence must be assessed.

Special Case - Large size, No Suffering

Scenario: You flush and the sight that appears is what appears like a river of fresh and bright red blood. You feel fine otherwise.

Possible causes:

• Huge ruptured hemorrhoids
• Hemorrhage of the rectal polyps
• Cases of diverticulosis of the lower colon

Steps to take:

1. Remain calm. Sit and rest.
2. Note the color and amount. New red blood normally implies the source is very nearby.
3. Take clear fluids to remain hydrated.
4. Contact your Houston gastroenterologist or closest ER in an hour or two when bleeding is soaking through pad.

Diagnosis of bleeding by the Physicians

1. History and physical examination Medical history and physical exam

• You describe your symptoms
• The physician could do a rectal examination or anoscopy

2. Stool tests

• Test occult blood

3. Blood tests

• Look for anemia or infection

4. Endoscopy options

• Colonoscopy: it helps see the whole colon
• Sigmoidoscopy: is concentrated on the rectum and the lower colon

Why see a Houston specialist?

Dr. Pothuri works in the Houston GI Center close to the Texas Medical Center. He says, We have modern endoscopes that are able to see small lesions at an early stage.

Table Comparison of Benign and Serious Causes

When to Need Medical assistance in Houston

Emergency, or urgent treatment in case you have:

• Profuse blood streaming through garments
• Dizziness or fainting
• Pain in the chest or Rapid heart beats

Book an appointment with a clinic in Houston GI same-week in case you observe:

• Recurring periods of painless bright red stool blood
• Lab tests show unexplained anemia
• Colon cancer in the family history

At-Home Care & Prevention

Easy measures that relieve mild bleeding:

• Diet high in fiber: beans, fruits, whole grains
• Plenty of water: 1.5-2 liters daily
• Light wiping with damp wiping towels
• Hemorrhoid OTC creams

Dr. Pothuri's tip: Fiber supplement, such as psyllium husk, may help stool become softer and straining become less difficult.

External Resources

For deeper reading:

• Mayo Clinic information on rectal bleeding
• Overview of lower GI bleeding at the National Institutes of Health

Conclusion

Rectal bleeding may be harmless or life threatening. Key takeaways:

• Blood does not always signal an emergency. Many cases are mild.
• Blood in large quantities of bright red in the toilet without pain is something to be considered.
• Blood in stool might also be painless, bright red and indicate a serious problem.
• When do you need to be concerned about blood in stool? When it is heavy, enduring or even other symptoms.

Houston has some of the best GI specialists who can easily examine and treat you. Dr. Bharat Pothuri tells us that early assessment is the guarantee of peace and the best results.

You will save your digestive well-being by keeping up to date and doing it in time. To receive a personalized care in Houston, call Gastrodoxs or reserve the services of the team of Dr. Bharat Pothuri today. Keep in mind: The sooner the better.

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.