Rectal Bleeding

Though not always a symptom of a serious medical issue, rectal bleeding isn’t a symptom you should ignore. Hussein Abidali, DO, and the patient-centered gastroenterology team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga, California, recommend scheduling a consultation if you have rectal bleeding. Finding out what’s causing your rectal bleeding gives you peace of mind and ensures you get the appropriate treatments. Call the office or request your rectal bleeding consultation online today.

What is rectal bleeding?

Rectal bleeding refers to any blood that passes from your rectum, anus, or lower part of your colon. With rectal bleeding, you may see blood in your stool, in the toilet, or on the toilet paper after wiping. Not all rectal bleeding is visible. Sometimes the amount of blood is so small only a fecal occult test can find it.

The color of the blood may range from a bright red to a dark maroon. The blood may look black or tarry if you have bleeding higher up in the gastrointestinal tract. 

In addition to the visible blood, rectal bleeding may cause dizziness or confusion. Depending on the cause, you may also have rectal pain or pressure.

What are some of the causes of rectal bleeding?

When you have blood in your stool, it means you have bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. Rectal bleeding may occur from many causes. Some minor, others more serious. 

Some of the common causes of rectal bleeding include:

• Hemorrhoids
• Diverticulitis
• Anal fissures
• Polyps
• Angiodysplasia (fragile blood vessels in the colon)
• Colitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Ulcer
• Proctitis
• Colon cancer

Hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding and a condition you can manage at home. However, rectal bleeding is also a colon cancer symptom, so you shouldn’t ignore the symptom. 

What can I expect during a consultation for rectal bleeding?

You can expect a patient-centered evaluation when you visit Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., for a rectal bleeding consultation. 

Your provider asks detailed questions about your health history, bowel habits, usual diet, family history, and symptoms. They perform a physical exam and may run diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out the cause of your rectal bleeding.

Testing may include bloodwork, stool test, or colonoscopy. In some cases, the team may perform an upper endoscopy or capsule endoscopy if they suspect your bleeding is coming from your esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.

What are the treatments for rectal bleeding?

The team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. customizes your rectal bleeding treatment plan based on the cause. That’s why locating the source of your bleeding is so important.

For some conditions, like hemorrhoids, the team may recommend diet changes and modifications to your bathroom routine. For more serious conditions, like colon cancer or IBD, the team provides disease-specific recommendations that may include medication and surgery.

Don’t ignore your rectal bleeding. Call Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. or request an appointment online today.