Rectal bleeding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment in Dallas

Rectal bleeding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment in Dallas

Rectal bleeding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment in Dallas; is a condition where blood is coming out of the anus. Rectal bleeding can be a symptom of conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or colorectal cancer.

If you go to the toilet and after wiping your anus you see blood on the toilet paper or you see blood in your stool, this may be a sign that you have rectal bleeding.

Rectal bleeding can be a minor or serious condition. Hemorrhoid is a condition that can cause minor rectal bleeding. The bleeding usually doesn’t last long and it can be easily treated. Colorectal cancer can cause serious rectal bleeding and loss of lots of blood. Immediately seek the attention of your doctor if you have a serious case of rectal bleeding.

Symptoms of rectal bleeding

The common symptom of rectal bleeding is the presence of blood in your stool or toilet wipe. The color of the blood can range from bright red to dark maroon to black. It is important to pay attention to the exact color of the blood because the different blood colors mean different things.

If the color of the blood is bright, it usually means that the bleeding starts somewhere in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as your colon or rectum.

If the color of the blood is dark red or maroon blood, it usually indicates that the bleeding is in the intestine or higher portion of the colon.

If the color of the blood is dark and tar-like, it often indicates that the bleeding is in the stomach, such as bleeding from stomach ulcers

Other symptoms of rectal bleeding include:

• Confusion
• Fainting
• Feeling dizzy
• Rectal or anal pain
• Abdominal pain or cramping

Causes of rectal bleeding

There are mild causes and serious causes of rectal bleeding.

Mild causes of rectal bleeding include:

• Anal fissures
• Constipation
• Allergic reactions to certain food
• Passing out hard or dry stools
• Hemorrhoids
• Irritated veins in the anus or rectum
• Polyps, or small tissue growths in the lining of the rectum or colon

Serious causes of rectal bleeding include:

• Colon cancer
• Anal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Intestinal infection
• Blood-clotting disorders

Treatment of rectal bleeding

The treatment options for rectal bleeding depend on the cause and severity. Treating the underlying cause of the rectal bleeding helps to stop the bleeding.

If hemorrhoid is the cause of your rectal bleeding, you may relieve the pain and discomfort by taking warm baths.

Applying over-the-counter or prescription creams around your anal area can help reduce irritation.

If your hemorrhoid pain is severe or the hemorrhoids are very large, your doctor may perform more invasive procedures such as rubber band ligation, laser treatments, and surgical removal of the hemorrhoid.

Anal fissures may resolve on their own. If you have constipation, you can use stool softeners to address the constipation

If you have intestinal infections, taking antibiotics can help eliminate the bacteria.

Colon cancers are serious causes of rectal bleeding and may require more invasive and long-term treatments. Surgical procedures such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation may be used to remove the cancer.

Always keep your rectal area clean and stay hydrated. Eat high-fiber foods and exercise regularly.

FAQ:

Will rectal bleeding stop on its own?

Rectal bleeding can stop on its own depending on the cause of the bleeding. You need to be observant and pay attention to how frequently you bleed. If the bleeding happens just once and then stops, you don’t need to see your doctor but if the bleeding is consistent, you need to call your doctor for proper treatment.

When should you worry about rectal bleeding?

You should worry about your rectal bleeding if the bleeding lasts longer than 2 or 3 weeks. If you are experiencing serious symptoms such as feeling dizzy, fainting, unexplained weight loss, or confusion, you should immediately see your doctor.

Is rectal bleeding an emergency?

Minor cases of rectal bleeding is typically not an emergency but if you are experiencing a severe case of rectal bleeding where the bleeding is consistent and you’re bleeding a lot, you should immediately inform your doctor for proper treatment.

How can I stop rectal bleeding at home?

You can stop rectal bleeding at home by drinking lots of water, applying ice packs on your anal area, using over the counter ointments or suppositories to soften your stool.

Eat more fiber, such as fruits and vegetables and fiber supplements. Take more baths to increase blood flow and relax your anal muscles.

Is rectal bleeding a sign of internal bleeding?

Yes. Rectal bleeding is usually as a result of internal rectal bleeding that comes from the rectum or colon, small intestine, or stomach. When stooling, the blood from the rectum, colon, small intestine, or stomach can mix with your stool.

Can rectal bleeding be caused by stress?

Stress can contribute to a variety of stomach symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal bloating and cramping, but it can’t cause rectal bleeding.

Can not drinking enough water cause rectal bleeding?

Yes. Not drinking enough water can cause constipation and harden your stool which can cause rectal bleeding.

What is considered severe rectal bleeding?

Severe rectal bleeding is when you pass out stool with moderate to severe bleeding. When you repeatedly pass out larger quantities of bright or dark-red blood. When you pass out several bowel movements or a single bowel movement containing a large amount of blood, all these are considered severe rectal bleeding.

Can blood stools be harmless?

Blood in your stool can be harmless, but can also be a sign of a serious condition such as colon cancer, intestinal infection, or inflammatory bowel disease.

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