Rectal bleeding

Rectal bleeding
Synonyms	Hematochezia, rectorrhagia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Blood in stool, bright red blood per rectum
Complications	Anemia, hypovolemic shock
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Hemorrhoids, anal fissure, diverticulosis, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease
Risks	Age, family history, diet, smoking
Diagnosis	Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, anoscopy, fecal occult blood test
Differential diagnosis	Upper gastrointestinal bleeding, melena
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Depends on cause; may include medication, surgery, dietary changes
Medication	Laxatives, stool softeners, anti-inflammatory drugs
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	Rare, unless due to severe underlying condition

Rectal bleeding refers to the passage of blood from the anus. The severity can vary from a small amount of bright red blood with defecation to severe, continuous bleeding. Rectal bleeding is a symptom and not a disorder itself. It is usually related to a condition in the digestive system such as a hemorrhoid or an anal fissure.

Causes

Rectal bleeding can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular diseases, colitis, Crohn's disease, colon and rectum polyps, cancer, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus that can be painful, itchy, and can sometimes bleed. Painless rectal bleeding with a bowel movement is a common symptom of hemorrhoids.

Anal Fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, often caused by constipation. Rectal bleeding from an anal fissure is usually bright red.

Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease can cause small, bulging pouches to form in the lining of the digestive system, usually in the lower part of the colon. Diverticulosis can cause rectal bleeding.

Colitis

Colitis is inflammation of the colon. Colitis can be part of a disease called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and it can also be due to other causes.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a type of IBD. It can cause rectal bleeding, along with many other symptoms.

Colon and Rectum Polyps

Colon and rectum polyps are growths in the inner lining of the colon and rectum. They can cause bleeding, but often there are no symptoms.

Cancer

Cancer of the colon or rectum can cause rectal bleeding. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding can be a cause of rectal bleeding, but it is usually not visible with the naked eye.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of rectal bleeding depends on the cause and may involve an examination of the rectum and colon, blood tests, imaging tests, or a colonoscopy.

Treatment

Treatment for rectal bleeding may include lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery, depending on the cause.

See Also

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Diverticular diseases
• Colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Colon and rectum polyps
• Cancer
• Gastrointestinal bleeding