Rectal bleeding isn’t always a sign of a medical issue, but don’t ignore it because it could become serious if untreated. At Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC in Florence, Massachusetts, the team of board-certified gastroenterologists uses the most innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches to solve your rectal bleeding. Call the office for help today.
Rectal bleeding means blood discharge from your anus. If you have rectal bleeding, you’ll notice blood on the toilet tissue, in your stool, or in the toilet bowl water. Blood can look bright red, dark red, or almost black. The color is an indicator of where the issue started.
Rectal bleeding can be a sign of a problem in your digestive system, so schedule an evaluation at Hampshire Gastroenterology, LLC if you notice rectal bleeding.
Rectal bleeding can occur for many reasons. A few of the specific digestive system issues that cause it include:
Hemorrhoids occur when veins in your anus and rectum dilate with blood. Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum, while external hemorrhoids develop in the skin outside of your anus.
Any type of hemorrhoid can cause bright red bleeding.
Repeated constipation can cause dry and hard stools. Because they’re difficult to pass, you can develop internal irritation or small anal tears (fissures) that cause bleeding.
IBD, which includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and microscopic colitis, can cause rectal bleeding that’s usually bright red.
Ulcers can cause black rectal bleeding and tarry stool.
Colon polyps are abnormal growths in the colon. Polyps can turn into colorectal cancer if not removed. They may cause bright red rectal bleeding and dark red stools.
Diverticulosis occurs when tiny pouches (diverticula) grow within weak parts of your intestine. Diverticula can become inflamed or infected. You may experience rectal bleeding with diverticular disease.
Many other conditions could cause rectal bleeding, including colorectal cancer, so it’s important to schedule an appointment at Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC when you experience the issue.
Your Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC provider performs a visual and digital exam and blood tests to narrow the causes of your rectal bleeding. You may need a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy so your provider can view your lower digestive tract from the inside.
Treatment of rectal bleeding depends on the condition that caused it. You may need medical treatment alongside lifestyle changes. Some common approaches include:
Significant causes of rectal bleeding may require surgery. Your provider at Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC will customize a rectal bleeding solution for you.
To get help for rectal bleeding, call Hampshire Gastroenterology Associates, LLC.