If you’ve ever noticed that streak of red running down your toilet bowl, you may have shuddered to think what caused it. While slight rectal bleeding is actually pretty common, there are a variety of gastrointestinal conditions that can cause it, and some are worse than others. Today we’re going over when it’s time to fret (and call your doctor), versus when it’s time to simply flush. Here are some of the top causes of rectal bleeding.
Rectal Bleeding Causes
So where does rectal bleeding come from? Splotches of blood found on the toilet bowl, on the toilet paper, or in your stool is an indication that bleeding has occurred somewhere in your digestive tract.
You can actually tell (approximately) where the bleeding occurred based on the color: dark red blood mean the bleeding occurred higher in the digestive track. Black means it has undergone various chemical reactions while passing through the intestines. And bright red indicates that the issues is closer to the rectum and the anus.
A few rectal bleeding causes are:
Hemorrhoids - Although very common, especially in pregnant women and after childbirth, hemorrhoids can be painful and uncomfortable. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the rectum or anus and can cause rectal bleeding.
Anal Fissures - Anal fissures are small tears around the anus. These tiny openings can be painful and cause slight bleeding, especially after a bowel movement. They can sometimes be confused with hemorrhoids.
Diverticulosis - This is when the patient’s stool becomes hard and has difficulty moving through the colon, making bulges and pockets which can become infected. This condition can also cause rectal bleeding.
Rectal bleeding may also be caused by an intestinal infection, tumors, polyps, bowel trauma, IBS, and Crohn’s disease. Some of these conditions are not much to worry about. Others deserve some extra care but are easily managed. Others can cause serious complications. So when should you worry about rectal bleeding?
When To Call Your Doctor
While rectal bleeding can happen to anyone, there are times when you should be concerned. For example, if you see a tremendous amount of blood after a bowel movement, feel dizzy, lightheaded, or have difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention at once.
Another instance when regular rectal bleeding begins to worsen or continues for a few weeks, leading into months: this unfortunate sign may indicate a devastatingly serious problem such as colon cancer.
Other things to be concerned about that accompany rectal bleeding are chronic diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and pencil-sized stool.
How To Stop Rectal Bleeding
In most cases, rectal bleeding will stop on its own, but you can do some things to ease your discomfort and help it stop faster.
Drink plenty of water to cleanse your digestive system and keep your stool soft
Avoid straining during bowel movements
Softly cleanse the area with a soft cloth and soap
Add more fiber to your diet
Avoid sitting for long stretches of time
The earlier you are screened for any complications involving rectal bleeding, the faster you will be able to receive effective treatment. Therefore we recommend that you never wave off even the smallest sign of unusual bleeding— consult a specialist at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay as soon as you can.