Rectal bleeding often occurs due to tears or fissures in the anus or rectum that result from constipation and straining during bowel movements. The harder you strain, the more the anal canal stretches, and the more likely these tears are to occur.
Another frequent cause of rectal bleeding is symptomatic hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be external or internal and may bleed with bowel movements as they enlarge and stool brushes past them.
Additional Causes of Rectal Bleeding can include:
Minor bleeding on toilet paper with a bowel movement may be indicative of a minor tear or bleeding hemorrhoids but a colonoscopy is recommended to rule out bleeding from above the colon. However, if the bleeding is associated with other symptoms or the bleeding continues for more than a day, contact your nearest Dr. Maziar Ghodsian office or schedule an in-person or telehealth consultation online today.
Rectal bleeding, particularly when associated with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids, can be painless. However, in some cases, additional symptoms you may experience include pain or pressure in the rectum.
Seek emergency medical help immediately if you have significant rectal bleeding and any of the following symptoms:
The blood you see can vary from bright red to almost black, indicating where the blood originated. Bright red blood typically comes from your anus, rectum, or lower colon. Dark red or maroon blood is likely from higher up the colon, while black, tarry blood, known as melena, is from your stomach.
At your initial office visit, your Dr. Maziar Ghodsian provider will begin by asking about your medical history, review your symptoms, and go over your current medications.
The timing of rectal bleeding may also play a part in understanding its cause. Bleeding that occurs specifically with bowel movements is often associated with anal fissures or symptomatic hemorrhoids, while bleeding occurring more spontaneously may indicate another condition.
Afterward, the provider will perform a physical examination, including a perianal examination, digital rectal examination, and anoscopic examination using a small scope to visualize any abnormal masses or sources of rectal bleeding such as any anal tears, fissures, or symptomatic internal or external hemorrhoids.
If indicated, a rectal culture or viral swab may be used to identify any bacterial or viral infections. Additionally, a stool study may be performed to check patients’ stools for evidence of active bleeding, occult blood or inflammation as well as specific infections.
If an in-office examination cannot rule out the cause of the rectal bleeding, your provider may need to perform diagnostic tests such as a colonoscopy to inspect your large intestine (colon) and rectum or an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGD) to look at your stomach and upper intestine.
Once your provider is able to provide a diagnosis, an appropriate care plan will be individually curated and discussed.
Treatment for rectal bleeding depends on the cause. Minor tears and hemorrhoids may be treated and prevented with conservative treatment and lifestyle changes. If the bleeding is originating from further up your intestinal tract, you might need to undergo surgical intervention.
Regardless of the cause, Dr. Maziar Ghodsian can treat blood in stool and rectal bleeding with the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Call Dr. Maziar Ghodsian if you’re concerned about rectal bleeding, or book an appointment online today.