Bowel Movement Bleeding – 6 Possible Causes In The Rectum

Bloody [(the adjective, not the expletive)|(adjective, not expletive)|(not the expletive but the adjective)] [aptly|best|appropriately|pertinently|suitably] [characterizes|describes|depicts|exemplifies] bowel movement bleeding. Bright red spots of blood drip into the toilet bowl or down the legs. Red blood oozes from the surface of stools. Bright red scarlet blood stains toilet tissue. Heartbeats may skip in alarm. What gives?

Overcome any panic that is building up by reading on about any of the 6 possible reasons that could be behind the hemorrhaging (technical jargon for bleeding). Annoying to our daily routine but life-threatening the 6 causes are not if they are treated correctly in a timely manner. Nevertheless, vigilance is advised. Start monitoring. Consult a doctor without delay if bleeding coupled 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 [alarmingly|critically|gravely|dangerously|perilously], bowel movement bleeding may be [the result of|the consequence of|caused by|a symptom of] some [type|form|class] of cancer.

Hematochezia or Melena

In medical circles, rectal bleeding is classified as hematochezia (maroon colored or bright red blood) or melena (black colored sticky or tarry stools). The 6 causes of the bleeding, referred to as rectal as the rectum is the exit, are proctitis, anorectal fistulae, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.

Proctitis

Proctitis is medically listed in the IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) group which includes the small intestine and the colon or large intestine. Injury to body tissues triggers the positive healing functions of inflammation. Inflammation triggers remedying of wounded tissue but if left unchecked, it proceeds to cause tissue wounds. Ulceration or erosion of the mucous membrane lining lead to rectal proctitis.

Among other symptoms, bowel movement bleeding is [a frequent feature|commonly encountered|a common encounter|a frequent occurrence]. The elimination of proctitis as the cause of rectal bleeding is critical as at an advanced stage, the rectum can become perforated.

Anorectal Fistulae

Between two or more unconnected internal organs, an anorectal fistula is a link-way that cuts right through. Often, it cuts all the way to the surface of nearby skin surface. An anorectal fissure opens out at the anal surface. The expulsion of stools and urine via this fistula is not unusual.

Anorectal fistulae are caused by of inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative proctitis. [Quite apart from|Aside from|Apart from|Other than] infection pus, bowel movement bleeding is also one of the symptoms.

Speedy diagnosis of fistulae is imperative as it can be a result of peritonitis (abdominal lining inflammation) which can be life-threatening. Treatment often involves tracing the full path of the fistula, surgery in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.

Anal Fissures

By definition, a fissure is a tear. An anal fissure is a tear around the opening of the anus caused usually by disproportionate physical strain during constipation. Motion passing is contingent upon the external and internal sphincter muscles of the anal opening being relaxed. The internal sphincter muscles may break into spasms from pain caused by fissures, further aggravating the fissure. A [dangerous|vicious] cycle [develops|ensues|follows|occurs] [with the result of|resulting in|with the consequence of] [increased|more|added] pain and bowel movement bleeding.

A change in diet to reduce constipation coupled with medication (lidocaine or hydrocortisone) may relieve the pain, inflammation and the harmful spasms.

Rectal Prolapse

An antiquated malady, the earliest recorded rectal prolapse was in 1500 B.C.! This is an infrequent situation, affecting in the main aged females, whereby the rectum sticks out of the anus and become visible on the exterior of the body. Weakened muscles, including external and internal sphincter muscles, and ligaments fail to hold the rectum in its place.

Among others, likely concurrent conditions include recurrent constipation and chronic diarrhea, protracted straining during bowel motion and pelvic floor descent involving the uterus and bladder. Typically, surgery is the only treatment that is effective.

[Internal Hemorrhoids & External Hemorrhoids|External Hemorrhoids & Internal Hemorrhoids|Internal & External Hemorrhoids|External & Internal Hemorrhoids|Hemorrhoids - Internal & External|Hemorrhoids - External & Internal]

[Notwithstanding|In spite of|Regardless of] the above [disconcerting|somber|weighty|austere|grim] narration, it may be ironic relief that the most [common|frequent|prevalent] [cause of|reason for] bowel movement bleeding is hemorrhoids, both [external and internal|internal and external]. These are dealt with extensively at our site The Treatment Of Hemorrhoid.

Various effective options are presented there for hemorrhoid sufferers. [Specifically|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|are permanently effective|have lasting results].

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.