Rectal Bleeding and Treatment

Rectal bleeding is a very common condition. However, seeing blood in the toilet can be a very frightening experience as even a small amount of blood can stain the water very red.

The vast majority of patients who experience rectal bleeding do not have anything ominous or worrisome. However, even just one episode of rectal bleeding should require an assessment with a doctor to confirm that it is due to a benign reason.

The most common causes of rectal bleeding are:

  1. Bleeding internal hemorrhoids
  2. Anal Fissures
  3. Anal Fistulas

More serious causes of rectal bleeding are:

  1. Colon or rectal cancer
  2. Bleeding from diverticular disease
  3. Inflammatory bowel disease
  4. Food poisoning

Many people are concerned about the risk of colorectal cancer. Patients that have the following symptoms along with their bleeding may require a colonoscopy to be sure:

  1. Blood that is mixed into the stools
  2. Blood that is dark (not bright red) or there are clots
  3. Altered bowel patterns
  4. Unexplained weight loss
  5. New onset urgency with having a stool
  6. A family history of colorectal cancer in a first degree relative

If you have lots of bleeding, you should go to your nearest Emergency Department.

At Pacific Executive Health, we can arrange for a rapid Assessment including a same day scope of the anus and rectum for diagnosis of hemorrhoids, fissures, inflammation, as well as rectal cancers. We can also schedule private screening using colonoscopy or pillCam Colon if required. Treatment of your hemorrhoids can be provided as well.