Worrying Over Rectal Bleeding

You would probably get worried if you observe that you have got rectal bleeding. In most cases, your symptoms are not serious. But in certain situations, they can be the early signs of a malignant condition. It is therefore, in your best interest to consult your doctor about the rectal bleeding, as worrying over it does not help solve anything.

Rectal bleeding is also known as hematochezia. It simply refers to the passage of bright red blood or maroon-coloured blood, with or without clots, from the rectum. Most rectal bleeding is low grade and as such, are not serious enough to warrant hospitalisations or urgent intervention. As mentioned, some, however, are more serious.

A smaller percentage of patients experience severe rectal bleeding and require hospitalisation because of the volume of blood loss, especially where anaemia is found. Another group of severely ill patients may develop the condition while in hospital for other medical reasons. Both these two latter groups require medical testing and check ups by the doctor.

It is easy to detect the signs of hematochezia. After wiping, you find that the toilet paper you have just used to be streaked with red blood or with pinkish stains. Or there may actually be fresh red blood oozing out of the rectum. However, from these signs, you would not be able to easily distinguish the cause or if the signs point to a condition that is benign or malignant.

There are many things that can result in rectal bleeding. Tears ripped in the rectal lining or infections affecting the rectum can cause hematochezia. Haemorrhoids are a frequent cause, when the swollen veins break. Polyps, which are lumps of tissue bulging out from the rectal lining, can also undergo bleeding. So will cancer. It is good to have an early diagnosis so that the doctor can identify if it is a possible case of colorectal cancer.

Age plays an important factor in colon cancer. Polyps in the family history and ulcerative colitis that have persisted in the individual for over ten years also increase to a significant degree the chances of colorectal cancer. The physician will also watch for other signs like anaemia and sudden weight losses which will corroborate other observations.

However, if you experience rectal bleeding along with anal symptoms, like soreness and itching and also see some changes in bowel habits, then the chances that the bleeding is due to malignancy are less. You are likely to see symptoms like blood staining the toilet paper in anorectal causes.

Should you have bleeding ulcers, you will need to see your doctor urgently since your rectal bleeding may be massive. If your bleeding is caused by polyps, your doctor may suggest that you have them removed. If you do not remove them, you would need to make diet changes to reduce the chances of inflammation. If haemorrhoids are the likely causes, then including high fiber content into your diet is a possible solution.

It has been observed that a greater proportion of patients do not seek medical advice for rectal bleeding. The minority of patients who seek medical advice for their bleeding only do so when they worry about the presence of serious disease and even so, do not take early action. It is always a good idea to go for a check up. Should you see your doctor, give information on drugs and herbal medications that you have been taking, as the details are necessary for a complete diagnosis of what is causing your rectal bleeding.

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