Rectal bleeding can be caused by various factors, including hemorrhoids, constipation, and polyps. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and doctors recommend seeking medical evaluation for any rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids are the most common cause, while polyps can be dangerous and require specific treatment.
Rectal bleeding is the technical term for any type of bleeding in the rectum. It is usually caused by a real wound somewhere in the anus, although in very rare cases the blood can come from somewhere deeper inside the body. Many things can cause bleeding sores in the rectum, including everything from hemorrhoids to certain types of cancer. Treatment generally varies depending on the cause. When red-colored blood comes from the stomach or somewhere further up in the digestive system, it can be life-threatening because it means the bleeding is very bad.
Most rectal bleeding comes from hemorrhoids. These are swollen veins inside the rectum and it is very common for them to get slightly punctured, especially when passing stool. When this happens, people may notice red blood in the toilet after a bowel movement.
Another common ailment that leads to rectal bleeding is constipation. When people become constipated, it is common for their bowel movements to harden. Dry, hardened stools can easily injure the rectum, leading to anal fissures which eventually result in rectal bleeding.
One of the most dangerous causes of rectal bleeding involves polyps. These are growths in the anus that can sometimes lead to cancer. They are similar to hemorrhoids in that they are prone to being punctured during bowel movements, which can cause them to bleed.
Most causes of rectal bleeding aren’t actually that serious, but there’s no telling whether the blood is coming from something relatively benign like hemorrhoids or something potentially more dangerous like polyps or stomach bleeding. For this reason, doctors generally recommend that patients treat any rectal bleeding as a serious symptom and get an evaluation from a doctor. This is especially true if it is the person’s first incident of rectal bleeding or if the individual has not already been diagnosed with something that is known to cause rectal bleeding. When diagnosing a case of rectal bleeding, doctors often ask numerous questions and may perform an examination of the rectum.
Treatment of rectal bleeding is based entirely on the cause of each particular case. When the bleeding is from hemorrhoids, there are several over-the-counter medications that can help, and doctors have procedures to deal with when these remedies aren’t effective. Dealing with constipation usually involves eating a diet with more fiber and drinking a larger volume of fluids. Polyps and other potentially serious conditions can require very specific treatments, which could often include surgical solutions or prescription drugs.
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