Symptom: Rectal Bleeding - Isabel Healthcare

Rectal bleeding, also known as hematochezia, blood in the stool or bleeding from the bottom, is often seen as small amounts of bright-red blood on toilet paper or sometimes as some blood droplets turning the toiler water pink.  Bright red blood represents that the bleeding has come from somewhere near the anus and often occurs with defecation.  If the blood is darker in colour and sticky then this may represent bleeding has occurred higher up the digestive tract.  This type of bleeding can turn your faeces black or plum-coloured which is known as melena.

Causes of Rectal bleeding:

In a middle aged male experiencing rectal bleeding the following problems should be considered in partnership with a medical professional to decide on what the cause of action should be:

Rectal bleeding possible causes – Isabel Symptom Checker

Piles / Hemorrhoids

Painless bright red rectal bleeding when passing stool can indicate haemorrhoids are present.  Hemorrhoids in their normal state are cushions present in the anal canal which help with stool control. These can become inflamed, although the cause is unknown. They can occur internally and externally and they tend to occur in people who have increased pressure in their abdomen, resulting from conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, obesity and pregnancy.  Hemorrhoids should resolve by themselves but any cause of rectal bleeding should be investigated to rule out a more serious condition.

Crohn’s Disease

This can present with blood in the stool as well as other symptoms including diarrhea, fever, weight loss, abdominal pain and cramping.  The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown but may occur anywhere in the entire gastrointestinal system. It manifests as inflammation, causing the symptoms mentioned.  People who have Crohn’s disease can go for long periods without having any symptoms (remission) and then have a flare up of their disease.  Currently there is no treatment for Crohn’s disease, but the aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and induce remission.

Food allergy

Rectal bleeding due to a food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive after eating a food substance which triggers an allergic reaction.  Food allergies can result from milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat and shellfish.  They are more common in children than adults, and tend to occur in atopic individuals who already have an inherited tendency to allergic conditions like asthma and atopic dermatitis.  Symptoms of food allergy include rectal bleeding, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and itching in the mouth and throat.

Peptic ulcer

An ulcer in the stomach lining may erode through a blood vessel, causing bleeding which, in turn, may manifest as rectal bleeding.  Peptic ulcers can be caused by other medication, and also by a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori.  Symptoms include a burning sensation between the chest and abdomen, which can be intense when the stomach is empty, as well as weight loss, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux and abdominal bloating.

Bowel cancer (Colorectal cancer)

This can occur in the colon or in the rectum, which together make up the bowel.  The bowel walls are constructed of several layers of body tissues.  The condition usually starts in the inner lining of the bowel, often as a small growth called a polyp or adenoma.  If left untreated they may become cancerous and grow through the bowel wall.  Symptoms include rectal bleeding, a lump in the rectum, weight loss and abdominal or rectal pain.

When is rectal bleeding an emergency and what are the next steps to be taken?

If you have minor rectal bleeding which lasts longer than a day or two, or can feel other symptoms like a rectal lump, then you should consult your doctor. Before your consultation with you doctor, think about the following questions they may ask you:

• Describe your rectal bleeding.  How long have you had the rectal bleeding?  What colour is the rectal bleeding? Is it bright red, dark brown or black?

• When does the bleeding occur and how often?  During passing a stool or unrelated to a bowel movement?

• Have you any other symptoms as well as the rectal bleeding including fever, abdominal pain or weight loss?

• Have you had any injury or trauma to the rectal area?

• Are you taking any medications?

Use the Isabel Symptom Checker to check your symptoms before consulting with your doctor: