Rectal bleeding refers to passage of blood through the anus along with the stools. The rectum is the last part of the large intestine and lies right above the anus. The blood may be bright red to dark maroon. Usually, it may occur as a result of constipation and hemorrhoids. The amount of blood that is passed may vary from few drops to large quantities often mixed with stools or blood clots.
The common causes of rectal bleeding are disease conditions which include colon cancer, anal cancer, anal fissure, colon polyp, hemorrhoids, constipation, and Crohn’s disease. Rarely, rapid and severe bleeding from stomach ulcers can cause rectal bleeding.
Common symptoms of rectal bleeding are loss of large amounts of blood associated with other symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and fainting. Severe bleeding may also cause a state of shock.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your physician will identify the location and the cause of rectal bleeding as it is important for an appropriate treatment plan. Proper diagnosis begins with a brief medical history and physical examination which is followed by few clinical tests such as endoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, radionuclide scans, angiograms, and blood tests.
The treatment plan for rectal bleeding comprises of the following: