Rectal bleeding occurs at the anus, rectum, or colon, which are the last parts of the digestive tract. The color of the blood wiped indicated the location where the bleeding is occurring. If you live in or around Cypress, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or rectal bleeding, which causes constipation and can hurt the colon’s walls is a problem that needs to be checked out by a doctor. Bright red blood is an indicator of bleeding in the lower colon or rectum, whereas darker red blood is a sign of bleeding in the small bowel. Very dark blood is associated with bleeding in the stomach or other organs in the digestive system like the small intestine. Let us get to learn more on the causes of this condition.
Causes of rectal bleeding
Several causes lead to rectal bleeding. They include:
Hemorrhoids
The extremely common inflamed anal blood vessels are called hemorrhoids. They can develop in or outside the anus, looking like small bumps occasionally bleed during bowel movements. This can affect anyone of any age, but there are a few risk factors associated with them
Pregnancy, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, or sitting on the toilet bowl for too long, obesity, unbalanced diet, and most especially foods with low fiber content, and aging are all things that may contribute to hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are not a major cause of worry; they respond well to over the counter creams that contain hydrocortisone. The remedies include taking warm baths frequently, eating a high fiber diet, and using stool softeners.
If the home remedies don’t work, the doctor can perform minor surgery to remove the hemorrhoids.
Fistulas
A fistula occurs when there is a development of an abnormal opening between two neighboring organs. When they appear between the anus and the rectum, fistulas can cause white discharge and blood. In most cases, fistulas are treated with antibiotics but may require surgery if they progress.
Proctitis or colitis
When the tissues that make up the colon become inflamed, resulting in pain and bleeding, you are said to have colitis. It mainly occurs when the tissues lining the colon become inflamed. There are different causes of colitis, and this determines the type of treatment. Some causes include infection, side effects from certain medications like blood thinners, chemotherapy, and other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Sexually transmitted infections
Some sexual behaviors can cause rectal bleeding. Unprotected sex that involves the anal area can spread a wide range of virus and bacterial diseases. The diseases can cause inflammation of the anus and rectum. When inflammation occurs, there is a high likelihood of bleeding.
STIs are mainly treated with antibiotics and antifungal medications, depending on if it is a bacterial or fungal infection.
Prolapse
Prolapse is the weakening of the rectal tissues. This causes the rectum to push forward or bulge outside of the anus, resulting in pain and bleeding. The condition affects older adults rather than children. The condition is corrected through surgery.
Rectal bleeding is not a cause for alarm, although if left untreated, the condition can be life-threatening due to blood loss. At the GastroDoxs PLLC, we give you specialized care by identifying the cause of bleeding and developing a treatment method that will perfectly fit you. Do not worry about the cost as we offer you state of the art services at a pocket-friendly price and accept insurance coverage. Are you experiencing rectal bleeding? There is a solution for you! Visit us today.
