Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding can be an alarming symptom. You may notice bright red streaks on the toilet paper after wiping. Or your toilet water may appear red or pink.

Other signs of bleeding in the digestive tract may include:

  • Bright red blood on the stool
  • Dark blood in the stool
  • Black stool that looks like tar
  • Bright red blood in vomit
  • Vomit that looks like coffee grounds

This page will discuss when you should see a gastroenterologist for rectal bleeding. We’ll also highlight how we diagnose and treat this symptom. Lastly, we’ll explore potential causes of rectal bleeding, including colon cancer. And how you can reduce your risk.

When to See a Gastroenterologist for Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is never normal. And you should not ignore it.

Some medical conditions can cause persistent rectal bleeding if left untreated. If you experience rectal bleeding for more than a few days, you should contact your doctor.

Red flag symptoms that may occur with rectal bleeding include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Change in bowel habits

You should contact a gastroenterologist if you experience any of the above symptoms. Gastroenterologists can pinpoint the cause of your digestive issues. And put you on a treatment plan to heal your digestive tract. We can also prevent medical complications associated with rectal bleeding, such as colon cancer.

If you have concerns about rectal bleeding and live in Lubbock, Texas, you can schedule an appointment online or call our office at (806) 696-4440.

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Diagnosis of Rectal Bleeding

The diagnosis of rectal bleeding begins with reviewing your symptoms, medical history, medications, and family history. We’ll then complete a physical exam to identify potential causes of rectal bleeding. Depending on your specific case, we may order more tests.

We’ll ask you the following questions to get a better understanding of your symptoms:

  • Do you have pain with rectal bleeding?
  • What amount of blood is present?
  • Is blood on the stool or in the toilet?
  • Is blood shooting or gushing out?
  • How often do you experience rectal bleeding?
  • What color is the blood?

The answers to these questions can help us determine where rectal bleeding originates from. Dark blood or stool that appears black like tar indicates that bleeding occurs in the upper digestive tract. And bright red rectal bleeding means that the source of blood is closer to your rectum.

Testing also helps us diagnose your condition. Tests for rectal bleeding may include:

  • Digital rectal exam
  • Colonoscopy
  • Endoscopy
  • Blood tests
  • Stool culture

Treatment of Rectal Bleeding

Treatment of rectal bleeding depends on your diagnosis. Treatment approaches may include:

  • Endoscopic techniques
  • Medication
  • Dietary changes
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Surgery

Some conditions that cause rectal bleeding may need short-term treatment. In contrast, other conditions may need lifelong monitoring to prevent your symptoms from worsening. A gastroenterologist can help you manage your condition and follow a treatment plan.

If needed, the first step in treating rectal bleeding is to stop the bleeding at its source. We may do this during an endoscopy. Treatment may then focus on reducing inflammation in the digestive tract with medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. In more complicated cases of rectal bleeding, you may need surgery to treat your condition.

Causes of Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from mild to severe. In most cases, rectal bleeding is a result of minor problems in the digestive tract. But sometimes, rectal bleeding can be a sign of a more serious issue.

Mild causes of rectal bleeding may include:

  • A large, hard bowel movement
  • Constipation
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Anal fissures

More serious causes of rectal bleeding may include:

  • Colon cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
    • Crohn’s disease
    • Ulcerative colitis
  • Anal abscess
  • Anal fistula
  • Ulcers
  • Diverticulosis

Rectal Bleeding and Colon Cancer

Rectal bleeding is a symptom of colon cancer. But generally, symptoms don’t appear until colon cancer is advanced. If you experience rectal bleeding that doesn’t go away after a few days, you should immediately contact your doctor.

The best way to protect yourself from colon cancer is to undergo preventative screening. A colonoscopy can reduce your risk of colon cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps. It can also improve your treatment outcomes by catching colon cancer early.

The American Cancer Society recommends that colonoscopies begin at age 45 for both men and women at average risk. But if you have an increased risk of colon cancer, you should start screening earlier.

Our office offers Open Access Colonoscopies for qualifying individuals. This scheduling option eliminates the need for a pre-procedure office visit, which saves you time and money. It may also save your life.

Gastroenterologist Lubbock, Texas

Dr. Sameer Islam is a gastroenterologist and West Texas native. He helps you heal your digestive issues from the inside out.

If you want to take charge of your digestive health, you can schedule an appointment online or call our office at (806) 696-4440.