What Causes Rectal Bleeding?

What Causes Rectal Bleeding?

A chummy guide of Gastrodoxs

It can be a frightening occurrence to see blood in a bowel movement or post bowel movement. You might wonder:

• What is the meaning of a rectal bleeding?
• Why have I bled after passing a bowel?
• Is stool and blood always serious?

I work as a gastroenterologist in Houston. I have heard a good number of patients concerned about a drop of blood. This guide will assist you in knowing the cause of bleeding, when to visit Dr. Bharat Pothuri, and the role of Gastrodoxs this respect.

Section 1: What is Rectal Bleeding?

Rectal bleeding refers to the bleeding of the lower digestive tract or the anus.

You may see:

• Bright red blood
• Dark red blood
• Black or tarry stool

It can be present on the stool, dripped into the toilet or manifested on the toilet paper.

Dr. Pothuri says that rectal bleeding can feel frightening, but in many cases the cause can be identified and treated. The important step is not to ignore it or assume it will go away on its own. Bleeding may come from hemorrhoids, fissures, inflammation, polyps, or other digestive conditions. A proper evaluation helps find the cause, provide reassurance, and guide the right treatment plan.

Section 2: Why Am I Bleeding Following Bowel Movement?

Many people ask this. Common reasons include:

• Hemorrhoids are distended rectal or anorectal veins.
• Anal fissures small tears in the skin are known as anal fissures.
• Constipation hard or large stools may be damaging prevents constipation.
• Straining pushing to too great extremes ruptures minute blood vessels.

Even a little tear may result in bright red blood during or after a bowel movement.

Section 3: Is Stool Blood at All Times Healthy or Unhealthy?

Not always but it is sometimes.

Mild Causes:

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Minor infections

Serious Causes:

• Crohn's or ulcerative colitis Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
• Diverticulosis or diverticulitis
• Colon polyps or cancer

When the bleeding continues to recur or when you start experiencing other signs (such as pain or loss of weight), then time to see a doctor.

Section 4: The Major Causes of rectal bleeding

The most typical causes of rectal bleeding are as follows:

1. Hemorrhoids
   
   • Puffy veins, itchy, sore, or bloody
   • Blood in tissue or in toilet, bright red
2. Anal Fissures
   
   • Small tears in the skin
   • Acute pain during or after passing of stool
3. Diverticular Disease
   
   • In the colon wall, there were small pouches
   • Can bleed or get infected
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
   
   • Crohn and ulcerative colitis
   • The persistent inflammation leads to bleeding and mucus
5. Colon Polyps or Cancer
   
   • Overtime polyps may develop into cancer
   • The bleeding can be occult or overt
   • Early screening is vital
6. Infections
   
   • Irritating bacteria or viruses of the colon
   • May include crams, blood and diarrhea
7. Proctitis
   
   • Ulceration of the rectum and its surrounding
   • However, IBD, radiation, and infections of the pancreas cause it

Section 5: Table Compare Common Causes

Section 6: Risk Factors and When to Get Help

Risk Factors:

• Age over 50
• Colon cancer or IBD in the family history
• Crohn's IBD Long-term IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Past pelvic radiation

Call Your GI Doctor If:

• The bleeding takes over 24 hours
• You are feverish, dizzy or in great pain
• Your bowel is black or tar-like
• You are weak or have lost weight

Dr. Pothuri says that unexplained rectal bleeding should always be evaluated to identify the cause.

Section 7: Diagnosis of Rectal Bleeding

Some of the tests that we are using at Gastrodoxs in Houston are:

1. Anoscopy

• The anal canal is examined by a small scope
• In-office and takes a few minutes

2. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

• Examination of the lower colon and rectum
• Diagnose inflammation or growths

3. Colonoscopy

• Full view of the colon
• Is able to remove polyps or biopsy
• Prep consists of soft liquids, laxatives

4. Imaging

• Diverticulitis or mass CT scan or MRI

5. Lab Tests

• Stool culture, blood in the stool, infection
• Anemia or inflammation blood tests

Section 8: The Treatment of Bleeding of the Rectum

The therapy is based on the etiology. The following is what we tend to suggest:

• Hemorrhoids and Fissures
  - Sitz baths
  - Creams or ointments
  - Fiber diet and laxatives
  - Office tools such as rubber banding
• Diverticular Disease
  - Antibiotics if infected
  - Fiber-rich diet
  - Surgery in severe cases
• IBD
  - Anti-inflammatory drugs
  - Immunolytic biologics
  - Surgery if needed
• Colon Polyps or Cancer
  - Polyps when doing colonoscopy
  - Surgery for cancer
  - Chemo or radiation as needed
• Infections
  - Antibiotics or antivirals
  - Rest and fluids
• Proctitis
  - Drugs: steroids, antibiotics or anti-inflammatories
  - Radiation history, in case of the treatment of another cancer

Section 9: Prevention Tips

These measures will help you reduce the risk of rectal bleeding:

• Eat More Fiber
  - Aim for 25-30g daily
  - whole grains, fruits, veggies, and beans
• Stay Hydrated
  - Drink plenty of water
  - Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Exercise Regularly
  - At least 30 minutes most days
  - Assists digestion and decreases constipation
• Don't Strain
  - Use the bathroom when needed
  - Use a footstool to have an easier posture
• Limit Toilet Time
  - Do not spend much time sitting or using phone when taking bathroom breaks

Section 10: Gastrodoxs.com provides care services to its clients

We focus on digestive health of patients throughout Houston at Gastrodoxs. Dr. Our team of experts, led by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, offers expert care, testing, and treatment of rectal bleeding and related problems.

Need help? Make an appointment with our colon health specialists in Houston.

External Resources

• Mayo Clinic Hemorrhoids
• NIH Crohn's and Colitis Info
• CDC Colon Cancer Screening

Final Thoughts

Rectal bleeding is widespread and can be easily cured.

We hope that this guide helped provide answers to:

• What is the medical meaning of rectal bleeding?
• Why do I bleed after passing bowel?
• Is blood in stool ever serious?

Do not wait, in case you live in Houston. Get care early at Gastrodoxs.