It can be quite alarming when you find blood on toilet paper after wiping or you see blood in your stool. Rectal bleeding isn’t uncommon—it can be something as simple and treatable as hemorrhoids, or it can be indicative of a more serious condition. Read on to learn more about rectal bleeding treatment and causes and when you should seek medical attention.
Rectal bleeding is blood that comes from the GI tract. It can present as blood in the stool or can appear on toilet paper. It can have many different causes. Some are less severe, while others are more serious, such as colorectal cancer, so it’s important to consult a gastroenterologist if you discover blood in the stool or on toilet paper. Rectal bleeding can be very worrisome, but if you can gauge the color of the blood, it may be an early indicator of where the bleeding is occurring. Color may indicate:
However, sometimes rectal bleeding is not visible to the naked eye and a stool test must be taken in order to determine the presence of rectal bleeding. Minor rectal bleeding is referred to as occult bleeding and is very minute. Occult bleeding could be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract, possibly from inflammation.
Sometimes, you may not notice rectal bleeding right away. Signs that you may have rectal bleeding include:
It is also possible that something you ate changed the color of your stool temporarily. If you think you notice bloody bowel movements, keep an eye on your stool for several days.
The primary symptoms of rectal bleeding are blood in the stool or the toilet paper or bowl. However, because rectal bleeding is a sign of an underlying condition, you may experience other symptoms as well, depending on what is causing the bleeding. These symptoms may include:
Any case of rectal bleeding should prompt you to consult your gastroenterologist, but if you experience these symptoms also, it may be more of an urgent nature.
There are many different causes of rectal bleeding—some benign and others quite serious. Some of the most common causes of rectal bleeding include:
Any time you experience rectal bleeding, you should consult a gastroenterologist. While it’s likely not serious with hemorrhoids being the most common cause, rectal bleeding can be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires immediate intervention, such as colon cancer.
Rectal bleeding treatment can differ depending on the underlying condition that’s causing the bleeding. Those with anal fissures or hemorrhoids can use home remedies, such as warm baths (or sitz bats) and stool softeners to help relieve symptoms. Hemorrhoids are also commonly treated with over-the-counter medications.
To determine the underlying cause, your gastroenterologist will likely perform a series of diagnostic tests, such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy and a stool test. Your provider will also perform a physical exam of the anus and rectum.
Rectal bleeding treatment very much depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you have an ulcer, you may have a course of antibiotics combined with antacids. However, colorectal cancer would require a full treatment plan if it is diagnosed. Your gastroenterologist will be able to walk you through any rectal bleeding treatment options with you.
