Bowel Movement Bleeding – Six Causes In The Rectum
Bloody (the adjective, not the expletive) pertinently characterizes bowel movement bleeding. Down the legs and into the toilet bowl, bright red spots of blood stream. The surface of stools is coated with red blood. Scarlet red blood stains the toilet tissue. Alarm causes our hearts to miss a beat. What gives?
Alarming yes, but don’t panic yet for any one of 6 probable causes could explain the hemorrhaging (technical word for bleeding). As troublesome as they are to our daily lives, most of the 6 causes are not severe and treatable if approached correctly. But complacency is not being advocated. Monitor closely. Without delay, consult a medical doctor if bleeding, especially with pain drags on for more than a week.
A proper diagnosis will identify the exact cause so that correct treatment can be administered to solve the problem. More dangerously, bowel movement bleeding may be the consequence of some class of cancer.
Hematochezia or Melena
Medical circles refer to the bleeding as hematochezia (bright red or maroon colored blood) or melena (black colored tarry or sticky stools) or simply the less technical term, rectal bleeding. Proctitis, anorectal fistulae, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids are the 6 causes of the bleeding, described as rectal as the rectum is where blood exits the body.
Proctitis
Proctitis falls within the medical group of diseases known as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) which counts among them organs like the colon (large intestines) and the small intestines. Inflammation is a healthy reaction of the body when its tissues are wounded. Tissue healed by the inflammation process can also be damaged by it if the process becomes unrestrained. Rectal proctitis is caused by ulcers which are erosion of the mucous membrane lining.
Among other symptoms, bowel movement bleeding is commonly encountered. Eliminating proctitis as the reason behind rectal bleeding is very important as they can become very serious when the rectum, respectively, is perforated.
Anorectal Fistulae
This is an unnatural passageway between two or more unconnected internal organs. Frequently, it digs continuously, all the way to the surface of nearby skin. An anorectal fistula is one that opens out at the anal surface. Commonly, stools and urine are discharged via this fistula.
Uclerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative proctitis are among the inflammatory bowel diseases that can lead to anorectal fistulae. Aside from infection pus, bowel movement bleeding is also one of the symptoms.
Fistulae must be properly diagnosed as it can be due to peritonitis (abdominal lining inflammation) which can be life-threatening. After the path of the fistula is traced, surgery with antibiotic therapy usually follows.
Anal Fissures
Fissure is just another word for tear. Constipation is frequently accompanied by excessive physical strain which can cause an anal fissure, or a tear around the anal opening. Bowel motion requires that the internal and external sphincter muscles that govern the operation of the anus be relaxed. Fissures may be aggravated as they cause the internal sphincter muscle to break into spasms. A dangerous cycle develops with the consequence of added pain and bowel movement bleeding.
Changes in diet to eliminate constipation together with medication (hydrocortisone or lidocaine) may relieve the inflammation and painful spasms.
Rectal Prolapse
Notably, rectal prolapse was recorded as early as 1500 B.C.! This uncommon situation, identifiable by a visible rectum sticking out of the anus, afflicts chiefly elderly females. Weakened muscles, ligaments and the internal and external sphincter muscles fail to hold the rectum in place.
Constant constipation, constant diarrhea, severe pelvic floor descent and strenuous bowel movements are common accompanying symptoms. Typically, surgery is the only treatment that is effective.
Hemorrhoids – External & Internal
Regardless of the above grim narration, it may be ironic relief that the most frequent cause of bowel movement bleeding is hemorrhoids, both internal and external. These are dealt with extensively at our site The Treatment Of Hemorrhoid.
Concise summaries of multiple options to get rid of hemorrhoids are found right there. In particular, have a look at the H Miracle, an alternative solution presented by an ex-sufferer that promises natural solutions that not only work but have lasting effect.
Further Reading
If you are interested in finding more about this topic, we have a related post on Blood In Stool – 7 Possible Causes In The Colon at our site. Do check this out.
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