Rectal Bleeding

Excretion is a normal routine for everyone, but if there is blood or a slight change in the color of the stool, it definitely means abnormality in the gastrointestinal tract. Many people think that it is just hemorrhoids. It was not unexpected that a blood transfusion could be the beginning of colon cancer. It is not a good idea to hide this when something like this happens to you.

What is Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is characterized by the presence of bright red blood flowing from the anus. Defecating with blood or blood clots, or defecating in crimson color, the main reasons for rectal bleeding are due to disorders within the gastrointestinal tract. From the stomach, small intestine, colon, or wounds to the distal vein. Bloody stool is the beginning of a disease that can be more severe than hemorrhoids.

Is Rectal Bleeding Dangerous?

Rectal Bleeding means that definitely disorders develop in the gastrointestinal tract and the severity of the disease that may follow. It can be determined by the number of blood transfusions or the amount of blood that comes out, people with severe bleeding are more likely to get sick, or by the presence of drops of blood after defecation. This means that in certain diseases, there is a lot of bleeding in the colon. If you notice blood, no matter how small, you should see a doctor immediately and have a thorough examination.

How Do I Know If I Had Rectal Bleeding

First, observe the color of your own stool every daily, it may be caused by a disease from the duodenum, such as a stomach ulcer or ulcer of the small intestine. However, when there is bleeding in the colon, there is fresh blood present or no obvious symptoms, instead there may be other symptoms, such as fatigue, fainting, etc. It usually occurs in elderly people.

Rectal Bleeding Symptoms

Rectal Bleeding may also have other signs depending on the bleeding organ, such as itching around the anus, pain during excretion, constipation and diarrhea, more frequent or abnormal decrease, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting of blood, etc.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of these symptoms together with a rectal bleeding, see a doctor immediately.

• Frequent blood transfusions, heavy bleeding.
• Blurred vision
• Hypotension and dizziness are detected.
• Nausea and vomiting of blood
• Less urine output
• Sudden severe abdominal pain.
• Fainting, shock, loss of consciousness.

Rectal Bleeding Causes

Rectal bleeding can indicate a minor condition, but also a dangerous sign of a serious health problem. The severity of the condition can be determined by the amount of bleeding. The duration and number of bleedings. With heavy bleeding people are more likely to develop diseases. Rectal bleeding can be the beginning of a dangerous disease such as:

• Gastric bleeding. The symptoms may start with vomiting blood, followed by dark, almost black bloody stools. Some people may feel exhausted, faint, tired easily, and may be a warning sign of stomach cancer.
• Bleeding in the colon is a symptom of fresh blood or blood clots flowing out with the stool, but there is no burning pain in the anus.
• Ischemic bowel disease is a condition caused by blood not being able to enter the intestinal wall, causes ischemic intestinal cells. If you have a blood transfusion, you may start to get heavy, including abdominal pain, which can be so painful that you lose consciousness, and infection in the bloodstream can lead to death.
• Polyps, round and pinkish in color, may form one or several clots, can occur in all parts of the colon, and can develop into colon cancer, usually without pronounced symptoms, but may cause continuous bleeding.
• Colorectal cancer is one of the top diseases causing the most deaths in Thailand. Most people over the age of 50 experience abnormal bowel movements such as constipation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding.

Colorectal Cancer and Rectal Bleeding

Most people are not diagnosed with colorectal cancer until they come in for screening or have rectal bleeding, which is the main symptom that most people with the disease see a doctor about. Some people have bloody stools, or some have bloody stools without feces. This is done through a colonoscopy to detect abnormalities in the colon. This allows the doctor to see details throughout the cecum and distal portion. The doctor can also take a biopsy directly.

Diagnosis of Rectal Bleeding

The problem of rectal bleeding can be caused by a variety of reasons. The treatment guidelines are divided into 2 types of rectal bleeding according to the symptoms of severeness.

1. Slightly bloody transfusions If it is found to have rectal bleeding with a small amount, it can be a mild health problem, such as constipation, it is possible to take care of the symptoms on your own with a behavioral adjustment and also does not require medication for treatment, such as eating a high-fiber diet. Drink plenty of water, practice healthy excretion habits, and follow appropriate guidelines to prevent constipation.

2. Taken as bleeding in large quantities If the transfusion is in large quantities, the blood transfusion is frequent. In a long period of contact, it is better to see a doctor. The doctor will treat the symptoms that the patient faces, such as heavy blood loss. For patients with rather severe symptoms, profuse bleeding, if hypotension is detected, dizziness, fainting, shock; the doctor may need require blood transfusion or saline drip to replace the wasted blood, and may consider prescribing medications appropriate to the patient's condition.

For patients with severe rectal bleeding; it is essential that there is a cure at the root cause. For example, if there is an abnormality, you should come to the doctor to check the stool to find bleeding or colonoscopy so that the doctor can perform appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Rectal Bleeding

1. Treatment of ulcers the doctor will advise the patient to take a warm bath to help relieve the wound and hemorrhoid area.
2. To stop bleeding, the doctor will insert a camera with the instrument to the anus and detect the location of damaged and bleeding internal organs in order to inject a substance that causes the bleeding to stop flowing.
3. Gastrointestinal endoscopy- The doctor may consider having the patient have a gastrointestinal examination. By endoscopy to check, people who are suitable for this program often have warning signs of health problems, such as:
   • There is bloating, tightness in the stomach, and abdominal pain.
   • Constipation alternating diarrhea or chronic diarrhea
   • Rectal bleeding in small fecal size.
   • Loss of appetite, weight loss
4. Dosage- In some diseases, doctors may prescribe medications to treat symptoms, such as antibiotics to treat bacterial stomach infections, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs to treat colitis.
5. Surgery- In some cases, the doctor may perform surgeries such as removing polyps, removing necrosis from cancer, or removing tissue damaged by injury or inflammation.

Rectal Bleeding FAQ

Can drugs cause rectal bleeding?

Taking certain medications may cause side effects, ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, may resulting in rectal bleeding. Before taking the drug, consult a doctor such as:

• Steroid drug group
• A group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.
• Anticoagulants such as Warfarin

Rectal Bleeding Conclusion

If there is rectal bleeding or bloody feces, do not remain silent, as this may lead to the above-mentioned illnesses. You should visit a gastroenterologist and liver specialist for a thorough diagnosis from a history or gastrointestinal examination to see if there are any lesions that cause bleeding? At what point, and further treatment is recommended.

Why must come to Nakornthon?

Our Gastrointestinal and Liver Center at Nakornthon Hospital is a specialized medical center which delivers the best treatment for intestinal and liver diseases and the best quality services to patients. With therapeutic technology and standardize equipment, our physician and well-trained expertise are here to provide personalized care at all time. Gastrointestinal and Liver Center, Nakornthon Hospital can provide one stop service aside with many facilities such as endoscope service, bowel preparation room, recovery room. With personalized care, we try our best effort to keep our patient safety as priority. The diagnosis and treatment have performed to minimize the risk factors for complication and reduce the length of hospital stays.

Dr.Sombun Rungjiratananon
Gastroenterology
Gastrointestinal and Liver Center

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