Rectal bleeding is common among adults and is often connected to hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, or another treatable condition. At Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC, the highly experienced board-certified gastroenterologists offer testing, treatment, and ongoing monitoring in one central office in Trinity, Florida. Click the provided online booking tool now or phone the office to get help for rectal bleeding.
Rectal bleeding is a type of gastrointestinal bleeding that happens when blood comes from the rectum (the part of the large intestine that stores stool until it’s time for a bowel movement). With rectal bleeding, the blood (and stool) exit the body through the anus.
Rectal bleeding can show up in a few ways, including:
The appearance of the blood can vary based on where it comes from. Bright red blood usually indicates bleeding at the end of the large intestine. Crimson blood could point to a problem higher up or in your small intestine.
Gastrointestinal bleeding, including rectal bleeding, stems from many causes, ranging from relatively minor to severe. These include:
Your provider at Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC compiles a detailed list of your symptoms, reviews your health history, and orders tests to narrow down the cause of your bleeding.
Standard tests include blood labs, stool analysis, and diagnostic imaging exams like endoscopy (upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or another type).
Not always, but it can in some cases. Rectal bleeding can cause you to lose a significant amount of blood, which increases your risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Your provider can perform a complete blood count (CBC) to check your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and diagnose anemia.
Treatment addresses the root cause of your rectal bleeding. Every disease has unique treatment approaches; variations are based on how severe the underlying condition is.
For example, if ulcerative colitis is the cause of your rectal bleeding, your provider could prescribe medications like corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics. Treatment for UC generally focuses on managing your immune system and trying to lessen the intensity and frequency of flare-ups.
If you have iron deficiency anemia due to rectal bleeding, you’ll need to take extra iron and possibly other supplements.
Every patient has unique needs, whether it’s an oral medication, an in-office procedure like hemorrhoid banding, lifestyle changes, or a minimally invasive procedure.
Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC confidently guides you to healing. Call the office now or schedule your visit online.