Rectal Bleeding Specialist

What is rectal bleeding?

Rectal bleeding occurs when blood passes through your anus, although the blood may be originating in your lower colon or the rectum itself. It may look like blood in your stool or appear on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. The blood ranges from bright red to dark maroon in color.

Rectal bleeding can be serious, so it’s important to note any other symptoms you may be experiencing at the time. Pay attention to when it begins and how long you notice it as well. These are questions a doctor will ask when you seek help for rectal bleeding.

What causes rectal bleeding?

A number of factors can cause rectal bleeding, which is why it’s important to be seen by a medical professional if you’re experiencing rectal bleeding. The most common causes of rectal bleeding are:

• A tear in the skin near the anus
• Long-term constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Hard stool

Less common causes of rectal bleeding include:

• Crohn’s Disease
• Diarrhea
• Colon inflammation
• Colon polyps
• Inflammation or sores on the rectum
• Cancer
• Radiation therapy
• Ulcerative colitis

What should I do if I am experiencing rectal bleeding?

If you’re experiencing rectal bleeding that is accompanied by rapid breathing, dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, nausea, and/or cold and clammy skin, you should call 911 for immediate medical assistance.

If your rectal bleeding is continuous and heavy, and you’re also experiencing severe abdominal pain or cramping, you should go to the emergency room.

However, if you are noticing rectal bleeding for more than a day or two, you should schedule an appointment to visit the medical professionals at GI Health. Dr. Ng,  and the team at GI Health specialize in gastroenterology and can help you get to the root of your symptoms for rapid diagnosis and treatment.

It can be scary to experience rectal bleeding, and the team at GI Health is here to help. No matter what is causing your symptoms, the gastroenterologists can recommend testing and treatment to help you get better as quickly as possible. Use the button below to book an appointment.