What To Do if You Bleed from the Rectum?

21.11.2011 | By: I. M.

If you bleed from the rectum, this is always a sign that something's wrong, even if the bleeding is mild and looks innocent.

You should pay attention to any type of bleeding from the rectum. (PhotoXpress)

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Bleeding from the anus

Rectum is the final part of the large intestine and reaches an end with the anus. When bleeding occurs in this area, the problem can be minor, but it can also point to serious complications, which is why it isn't advisable to ignore blood. In most cases, the cause are intestinal problems of one sort or another and a diagnosis can only be made by a physician. The treatment depends on the diagnosis, of course. One can fight the problem with alleviating the symptoms or with antibiotics, but transfusion or surgery may also be required. It's essential to find out why you bleed from the rectum.

What can cause rectal bleeding?

The most common reason for minor rectal bleeding is haemorrhoids and cracks. Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the area of rectum and anus, that can cause pain, unpleasant feelings, bleeding and a burning sensation. We can distinguish between inner and outer haemorrhoids - the latter usually don't cause pain. A doctor will give you instructions how to alleviate the symptoms. In case of haemorrhoidal thrombosis, a surgical procedure is needed. Beside haemorrhoids, you can bleed from the rectum because of cracks. These are the consequence of stiff and hard excrements, and they can also cause pain. In both causes of rectal bleeding, what is advisable is softening the excretion, foods rich in fibre and warm baths.

After the age of 40, the bleeding can be also caused by diverticulosis, which means that hospitalization or surgical operation may be called for. Other factors that can cause bleeding are bacterial infections, tumors, polyps and traumas. Rectal bleeding can also be the result of a a foreign body that has caused a disturbance in the alimentary canal or the result of a gastric corrosion.

What are the exact symptoms of rectal bleeding?

The obvious symptom is of course the presence of blood in any quantity and any color. But we can also mention the pain in the stomach or an accentuated pain in the rectum and anus. Sometimes vertigo, a feeling of infirmity and fainting fits also occur.

When should you look for medical help?

You need to seek medical assistance in the case of your bleeding being accompanied by fever, stomach ache or abdominal pain, your not feeling well in general, vomiting, loss of weight, changes in digestion, or diarrhoea, and also in the case of your bleeding getting worse. Medical help should be sought immediately in case of losing a large quantity of blood, fainting, heavy breathing and increased blood pressure or when your excrement looks black. Doctors will provide you with infusion, and transfusion, if necessary. Further treatment will depend on the source of your bleeding.

What can you do at home?

If we are talking about a very small amount of blood that appears on toilet paper and would never be noticed otherwise, and if your bleeding doesn't increase but stops in time, you can stick to self help. The described situation usually indicates haemorrhoids. In any other case, medical assistance is called for. You can help yourself with lotions, which you can purchase at a local drugstore. In addition you should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day and take regular showers or baths, so that you keep the skin around your anus clean. You should eat foods that are rich in fibre, for example prunes and dried plums. Don't spend too much time on the toilet seat. You can also use cold compresses to ease the pain.