Blood coming from the rectum or in the stool is never really something you want to see. There can be a wide range of reasons why blood could come out of the rectum, and each can have varying ranges of severity. Even if you’re sure that the cause of your rectal bleeding is lower in concern, this is still something you should consider worth mentioning when you visit your doctor. To learn more about a couple of potential causes of rectal bleeding, take a look below.
What are some of the top causes of rectal bleeding?
- Hemorrhoids — Hemorrhoids are veins in the anus that become swollen and inflamed. Most often, this condition is a result of chronic or frequent diarrhea during bowel movements. It’s estimated that 3 out of 4 adults will experience hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. This condition can cause discomfort when an individual goes to the bathroom. Hemorrhoids can also cause rectal bleeding during bowel movements and necessitate medical attention when they last for longer than a week.
- Colon polyps — A colon polyp is a small mass of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. They can occur in anyone for any number of reasons. Sometimes, colon polyps can become cancerous over time, which is why when you start seeing blood in your stool, it may be time for a colonoscopy. Digestive health specialists will encourage regular colonoscopies so that any colon polyps can be spotted and removed before they have the chance to become cancerous.
- Anal fissures — Another cause of rectal bleeding is anal fissures. Anal fissures are small tears that occur in the anus or the lining of the anal canal. They can result from constipation and chronic or frequent diarrhea.
Don’t hesitate to contact Digestive Health Institute with further questions!
Still wondering what other things might be reasons to see a gastrointestinal specialist? If you are not sure why you might need one, you are looking for more information or you have other digestive health questions, please don’t wait to reach out to one of our team members for help. Our team of GI specialists has the training and experience to answer your burning questions. They can also help you find the most effective treatments for your conditions and for other common GI issues.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.