What Are the Causes of Rectal Bleeding?

Hemorrhoids

The most common type of rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. They are common during pregnancy and times of constipation. A hemorrhoid occurs when the veins around the rectum become inflamed. Symptoms include bright red blood on the toilet paper after wiping, as well as lumps or swelling and pain. Hemorrhoids can be felt on the outside or can be inside the body. This condition is not life threatening but can be very disruptive if not treated quickly. Treatment includes creams and frequent shallow baths.

An anal fissure is a tear usually caused by a large stool. It can become infected as well. If an anal fissure lasts longer than six weeks it is considered long term. Over 80 percent of people with long term anal fissures are between the ages of 20 and 60.

Symptoms include burning pain, including pain with bowel movements, bloody stools, mucous discharge, and fever when there is an infection.

Approximately 10 percent of the adult population over age 40 has diverticulosis. People with diverticulosis develop pouches throughout the large intestine known as diverticula.

Symptoms include a crampy or bloated feeling. Other symptoms include ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. When the diverticulosis flares up it is known as diverticulitis. Complications of diverticulitis include rectal bleeding and infection.

Proctitis occurs when there is an inflammation of the rectal lining that is either long or short term. It can be caused by many disorders ranging from sexually transmitted diseases, autoimmune disorders, and side effects from other medications or radiation therapy. Symptoms of proctitis include abdominal pressure, left sided abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and mucus. Treatment is a medication geared to treat the cause.

Colitis is an inflammation in the colon usually caused by an autoimmune disorder or an infection. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever and chills, and rectal bleeding. The treatment for colitis depends upon the severity of the disease. Some people simply need bed rest and an increase in fluids, others need antibiotics, while others need intravenous fluids.

Rectal prolapse occurs when a part of the rectum falls out of place sometimes slipping down into the anus. Symptoms of rectal prolapse include the feeling of heaviness, passing of small bowel movements, rectal bleeding, pain, and itching.

Treatment usually begins at home with a change in diet to include more fiber to reduce any constipation. If self-care measures do not work, you may need surgery.

Polyps are growths that occur within the large intestine. Over 50 percent of adults over 60 have at least one polyp. Some polyps become cancerous when they become too large, so rectal cancer screenings are very important. Beginning at age 50, everyone should have a rectal cancer screening every three years.

Every year approximately 40,000 people are diagnosed with rectal cancer. Rectal cancer develops over a period of several years. It begins as a polyp that grows into cancer. Risk factors for developing rectal cancer include a family history of rectal cancer, a diet high in fat, smoking, and increasing age.

Treatment for rectal cancer depends upon the stage of the cancer and could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.