Although rectal or anal bleeding is a cause for concern and discomfort, it usually indicates a minor problem, such as a fissure or hemorrhoid. However, it can also indicate a pathological condition of some significance. Therefore, consult your doctor immediately if you are unable to trace the cause. If the bleeding is quite severe and is accompanied by painful stomach cramps or has lasted for several days, it can be a sign of colon cancer. Your doctor will be able to perform an abdominal examination to determine the cause and severity of the rectal bleeding.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying the Various Types of Rectorrhagia
Step 1. Notice if there are any traces of blood on the toilet paper
Mild rectal bleeding leaves small drops or traces of blood on the toilet paper. If the problem is with the anus, they will be bright red.
If anal bleeding occurs during bowel movements, it can be caused by fissures or hemorrhoids. However, it can also indicate a more serious condition, so don't hesitate to see your doctor
Step 2. Notice if there is any blood in the toilet water
In slightly more severe cases, it is possible for the toilet water to turn pink after defecation. A few droplets or clots of blood may also fall. At most, that's 5-10ml in all.
Step 3. Notice if the stool is dark brown or black
Rectal bleeding isn't always as noticeable as it happens when toilet paper gets blood stained. If it comes from an area located a few centimeters deep along the rectum, the blood absorbed by the fecal matter will go to give it an unusually darker color. The term melena refers to stools characterized by a blackish color, tarry or bloody appearance, and are always a cause for concern. If you notice them, especially within a day or two, see your doctor right away.
- Some foods can also change the color of the stool. A single episode is not enough to say that it is rectorrhage.
- However, if you notice blackish or dark brown fecal matter for two or three consecutive days, it is reasonable to assume that it is due to internal bleeding in the rectum or further up the gastrointestinal tract.
Part 2 of 3: See Your Doctor
Step 1. See your doctor if you have rectal bleeding
If a rectal hemorrhage occurs, you must be examined in order to identify or rule out serious medical conditions. Don't wait if:
- Rectal bleeding is accompanied by fever or nausea;
- You turn pale and tend to sweat during bleeding
- You experience severe cramps in the abdomen.
Step 2. Undergo a rectal examination
At first, the doctor is likely to do a visual examination and rectal examination. He will use a gloved finger to inspect the anus and lower rectum for trauma, hemorrhoids, or foreign bodies.
It may also apply external pressure to the abdomen. With this maneuver he will try to identify any growths or potential tumors inside the body
Step 3. Get blood or stool tests
If the rectal examination does not offer any results, your doctor may order blood tests, coproculture, or both. The first check will allow him to determine how much blood you have lost and whether it is able to clot properly. The blood sample will be taken and analyzed in the laboratory.
Coproculture is also done in the laboratory. You will probably have to wait a week for the results
Step 4. Undergo a colonoscopy
In some cases, the doctor may find a colonoscopy necessary to determine the cause or location of the rectal bleeding. This procedure involves inserting a flexible plastic tube with a video camera that allows the diagnostician to get a clearer picture of the rectum and determine the cause of the bleeding.
- In place of the colonoscopy, your doctor may refer you to another internal exam, such as endoscopy or flexible endoscope sigmoidoscopy.
- If an external source of bleeding, such as a hemorrhoid, can be detected, a colonoscopy is not necessary. However, your doctor may recommend another internal test to rule out the risk of cancer or other serious medical conditions.
- If you are at least 40, he will recommend a colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of colon cancer causing the rectorrhagia.
Step 5. Take the prescribed medications following the directions
Your doctor may prescribe various medications, depending on the cause of the bleeding, including an emollient laxative, a pain reliever, an iron supplement to increase blood production, and a vasoconstrictor to stop bleeding.
If you have hemorrhoids, they may also recommend a steroid ointment or cream to reduce anal inflammation
Part 3 of 3: Stopping and Preventing Rectorrhage
Step 1. Increase your fiber intake
A high-fiber diet can be a long-term solution for occasional rectal bleeding episodes. Anal fissures are often caused by constipation or overexertion during defecation. Either way, add more fiber to your diet to help expel fecal matter. Among the foods rich in fiber consider:
- Legumes, including lentils, split peas, and chickpeas
- Fruits, including pears and apples, with the whole peel;
- Sweets, bread and pasta made with wholemeal flour.
Step 2. Drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated
When the body becomes dehydrated, it produces harder and harder to pass stools. Anal fissures and mild rectal bleeding are recurrent consequences. Avoid them by drinking water to soften the stool and not cause hemorrhoids or rectal injuries.
On average, adult women should consume around 2.5 liters of water and other fluids per day, while men consume around 3.5 liters per day
Step 3. Be aware that a small amount of blood loss due to fissures or hemorrhoids stops on its own
In most cases of rectal bleeding associated with anal fissures, the bleeding stops spontaneously once the evacuation is complete. If you've seen your doctor and know that the bleeding is due to a fissure or hemorrhoid, wait for it to stop or lightly dab the anus with toilet paper to stop blood loss.
Step 4. Apply over-the-counter ointment
If bleeding from a hemorrhoid or fissure lasts more than two or three days, go to the pharmacy to buy hydrocortisone ointment or hemorrhoid ointment. It will lessen the discomfort or pain, helping the wound or ulceration stop bleeding and healing.
- Consult your doctor before applying medicated cream. While most of these products are gentle and safe, they will be able to recommend the best brand to use.
- He might even write you a stronger ointment if needed.
Advice
- Rectorrhagia can be an early symptom of colon cancer. However, this possibility occurs in 1-2% of cases. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you are at risk.
- The term "rectorrhagia" refers to any emission of blood from the anus which is located in the lower part of the colon.
