Wiping and finding traces of blood can certainly be unnerving. While rectal bleeding can be caused by self-limiting problems that will go away on their own it’s also important to recognize when you may need to seek treatment from a qualified gastroenterologist.
Causes of Rectal Bleeding
You can usually tell where the bleeding is coming from based on the color of the blood. Bright red blood typically means that it’s originating in the rectum or colon, while darker blood may be a sign that there is bleeding in the stomach or elsewhere in the digestive tract.
The most common causes of rectal bleeding include:
- Hemorrhoids
- Fistula (an infected tunnel between the skin and anus)
- Fissures or tears
- Diverticulitis
- Colitis (also referred to as proctitis)
- Gastroenteritis
- Rectal prolapse (caused by weak rectal tissue)
- Colon polyps
- Internal bleeding (With the rectum of GI tract)
- Colon cancer
When to See a Doctor
While you probably won’t need to pick up the phone and call your GI doctor the minute you notice a little blood, it is important to understand when the condition does require an immediate checkup or even emergency care. Minor rectal bleeding is fairly common and will happen to most people at some point during their lifetime. Minor bleeding that goes away on its own won’t require additional treatment or care.
However, if you are dealing with persistent, severe or painful rectal bleeding this could be a sign of a more serious health problem that will require an evaluation by a gastrointestinal doctor. If you are dealing with rectal bleeding you should call your doctor if you:
- Notice bleeding that lasts up to 2-3 weeks
- Also experience a fever, fatigue or unexplained weight loss
- Have severe abdominal pain or your stomach is tender to the touch
- Notice changes in the shape, color or size of your stools for more than three weeks
- Also experience nausea and vomiting
- Are dealing with persistent bowel changes (e.g. constipation or diarrhea)
- Experience anal leakage
Vomiting blood, tar-like stools, bloody diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain all require emergency medical attention. In this case your gastroenterologist may advise you to go to the nearest emergency room.
Are you dealing with rectal bleeding that has you concerned? If so, a gastroenterologist can find out what’s causing your symptoms and help you get your GI health back on track.