Rectum is the last part of your digestive system where the fecal matter is temporarily stored before eliminating it through the anal canal. Rectal bleeding generally refers to ant blood that comes out from your anus whose source is suspected to be the lower part of gut that includes lower colon, rectum and anal canal. The patient complains of blood on stools or on the toilet paper which is usually bright red in color. There are various causes which can lead to rectal bleeding.
These symptoms can appear in the healthy person and disappear on their own but if it is associated with the following features then your need to seek advice of your doctor as early as possible
There are various causes which can lead to the condition of rectal bleeding
Some of the most common cause
Less common causes are
Your doctor will use your medical history, conduct a physical examination and order some test to establish a diagnosis
Medical history: Your doctor will basically ask you complete details of the signs and symptoms associated with the illness
Rectal examination: Your doctor will examine the inner condition of the rectum or anus by putting inside a lubricated gloved finger
Proctoscopy: Proctoscope is a hollow device which is inserted into your anus to look for abnormalities like hemorrhoids, anal fissure
Analysis of stool sample: The stool sample is analyzed for the presence of different types of inflammatory cells.
Colonoscopy: the colon is examined by inserting an endoscope which is a flexible hollow tube with camera and lights to look for conditions like diverticulitis or polyps.
Biopsy of the gut tissue: A small sample of the gut tissue is taken and studies to look for inflammatory(Crohn’s) and cancerous conditions
CT scan: A CT scan of the abdomen can be done to look for any other problems that can be associated with your digestive symptoms
Your doctor can refer you to GI expert, specialist who are expert in the field of gastroenterology.
The main goals of the management are to treating underlying cause and reducing the signs and symptoms.
American Gastroenterological Association