What triggers rectal bleeding?

There are several likely causes of mild rectal bleeding that does not require treatment, such as temporary constipation or hemorrhoids, as well as dehydration, which can result in hard stools that injure the anus or rectum while passing. In most cases, the bleeding stops once the underlying cause has been resolved.

On the other hand, cases that require a physician’s attention include:

• Cancer in the colon, rectum, or anus. When diagnosed early, which may require a colonoscopy, these are among the more treatable forms of cancer. With colorectal cancer and many types of anal cancer, the growth rate is very slow, which is why early diagnosis is so important.
• Colon polyps. Polyps are small growths of cells that sometimes form on the lining of the colon. For the most part, they are benign and harmless, especially when detected early. Over time, however, some polyps can develop into colon cancer. Typically, polyps can be seen easily and removed during a colonoscopy.
• Crohn’s disease. A type of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s causes inflammation along the digestive tract resulting in severe diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, fatigue, and even malnutrition. It can occur in several different areas of the digestive tract. The inflammation often extends deep into the layers of the bowel tissue, leading to debilitating pain.
• This condition is also known as diverticular disease, and occurs when pockets called diverticula create bulges in the walls of the digestive tract, usually the colon. If material gets trapped in these pockets during digestion, it can cause pain and inflammation, a condition known as diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is often undetected unless it shows up on an x-ray or during a colonoscopy.
• Ulcerative colitis. Patients suffering from ulcerative colitis often experience diarrhea, abdominal cramping, pain and/or bleeding in the rectum, and problems with bowel movements, including an inability to defecate despite a feeling of urgency.
• Anal fissures. An anal fissure is when a small tear forms in the thin lining of the anus or mucosa. It often happens as a result of passing hard or large stools, causing pain and bleeding during a bowel movement. Usually, this condition gets better with simple treatment.

What you should do:

For non-severe cases of constipation, the best action you can take is to start eating plenty of fiber-rich foods – such as leafy greens, fresh fruit, whole-grain breads, and nuts – and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Also, try to maintain regular bowel habits.

To treat non-severe hemorrhoids, get up and walk around every so often if you sit a lot. Fiber-rich foods are also important when you have hemorrhoids, and avoid heavy lifting as much as possible. Also, when going to the bathroom, don’t push too strenuously or for to long during a bowel movement.

If you experience severe abdominal pain or a fever with rectal bleeding, see a doctor as quickly as possible as this may indicate a problem that needs immediate attention. You should also see a physician if you experience black, tarry stool or persistent bleeding from the rectum or anus, or get dizzy while you have any of these symptoms.