Noticing blood in your stool can be unsettling. Whether you see bright red streaks on the toilet paper or darker, tar-like stools, rectal bleeding is something you should not ignore. While it doesn’t always indicate something serious, it’s important to understand the possible causes and when to seek medical help.
Here are five common reasons people experience rectal bleeding.
- Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum or anus and are one of the main causes of bright red blood in the stool. They can develop from straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, pregnancy, or sitting for long periods.
You might notice itching, pain, or small amounts of blood on the toilet paper after wiping. Thankfully, most haemorrhoids can be managed with dietary changes, increased fibre intake, hydration, and over-the-counter treatments. However, if bleeding continues or becomes painful, a gastroenterologist can assess the severity and recommend effective treatments, including topical medications or minor procedures.
- Anal Fissures
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools or frequent diarrhoea. The pain can be sharp, and you may see bright red blood during or after a bowel movement.
Although fissures usually heal on their own, persistent cases may need medical care to prevent ongoing tearing and pain. Dr Mark Lee and other experienced gastroenterologists can determine if a fissure is causing the bleeding and suggest appropriate treatments, such as topical ointments or minor surgery.
- Gastrointestinal Infections
Certain bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can inflame the lining of the digestive tract, leading to diarrhoea, cramping, and occasional bleeding. Common culprits include infections from contaminated food or water, like E. coli or Salmonella.
If you’ve recently travelled, experienced food poisoning, or had severe diarrhoea, an infection may be the cause. A gastroenterologist such as Dr Fernandes Mark Lee, can suggest some stool tests to identify the infection and prescribe the right antibiotics or other treatments.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, often leading to rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, and unintended weight loss.
These are serious, long-term conditions that require professional management. A specialist can run diagnostic tests like colonoscopies and imaging to confirm IBD and develop a personalised treatment plan to help control inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
- Colorectal Polyps or Cancer
Sometimes, rectal bleeding can indicate something more serious, like polyps or colorectal cancer. Polyps are growths in the colon that can bleed occasionally. While many polyps are benign, some can turn cancerous over time.
Early detection is crucial. That’s why regular colorectal screenings and colonoscopies are important, especially for individuals over 45 or those with a family history of colon cancer.
When to See a Doctor
Even though not all rectal bleeding signals a serious problem, it’s important to have it checked if it continues, worsens, or comes with other symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, or changes in bowel habits.
If you notice blood in your stool, don’t wait or try to diagnose it yourself. Consult a gastroenterologist like Dr Mark Lee, who can perform the necessary tests and guide you toward effective treatment. Early attention not only brings peace of mind but also helps ensure any underlying condition is addressed before it becomes more serious.
