If you notice rectal bleeding, it can be extremely concerning. Your mind may start asking questions: Should I go to the doctor for rectal bleeding? Is rectal bleeding normal?
In general, rectal bleeding is an indicator that something is going on in your body that needs to be addressed. It can indicate hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, anal fissures, ulcers, and, in some cases, colorectal cancer.
It’s best to contact your doctor to be evaluated if you’re experiencing rectal bleeding. It may be a minor condition that can be easily treated, but it is important to verify it isn’t a sign of something more serious.
What Can Cause Rectal Bleeding?
Rectal bleeding can be caused by a variety of conditions. Because there are so many different possibilities, it’s encouraged to see your doctor if you notice this symptom. Conditions range from mild to severe, and can include:
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Ulcers
• Polyps
• Anal fissure
• Colorectal cancer
When Should I Seek Care?
In most cases, rectal bleeding needs to be evaluated. However, there are cases that are more severe that require emergency care. There are also some cases that may not require a visit to your doctor.
When to Seek Emergency Care
You need to seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing rectal bleeding that is:
• Continuous
• Heavy
Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if your rectal bleeding is accompanied by any of these symptoms:
• Abdominal pain
• Symptoms of dehydration
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
When to Seek Emergency Care
You need to seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing rectal bleeding that is:
• Continuous
• Heavy
Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if your rectal bleeding is accompanied by any of these symptoms:
• Abdominal pain
• Symptoms of dehydration
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
When to Schedule an Appointment
In most other cases, giving your doctor a call to get evaluated is the best path forward. If you’ve noticed rectal bleeding that is reoccurring or lasting more than a day or two, giving your doctor a call is important.
They will help schedule an appointment based on your symptoms and severity.
Do I Always Need to Schedule an Appointment?
There are cases where rectal bleeding does not need to be seen by a doctor. If you have recently eaten foods that can impact the color of your stool, you may see your stool and think it is rectal bleeding. However, unusual or dark stool color can be caused by foods such as:
• Beets
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Foods with strong red color pigments
If you remember eating one of these foods recently, you may be okay to skip the doctor’s office. If it is a one-time occurrence, it likely was caused by one of these foods. However, if you are concerned, it never hurts to call your doctor!
If you see very minor rectal bleeding once (for example, a small amount of blood when you wipe) and do not see it again, it’s okay to take a note of it and mention it at your next scheduled visit or wellness check-up. If you start seeing it more often, it’s best to go ahead and schedule an appointment!
Screening and Treatment
Your doctor will take the time to discuss your symptoms, ask questions to help find the root cause, and develop a plan of treatment for you to reach optimal health again. Sometimes, even minor changes can address the root cause of rectal bleeding.
Your doctor may recommend a screening to help determine what is causing your rectal bleeding. A screening may include:
● Colonoscopy
● Physical Exam
● Additional screening, such as fecal tests
Once your doctor has confirmed the problem, they will suggest a path forward to help eliminate your rectal bleeding.
The specialists at Granite State Gastroenterology can help assess the cause of your rectal bleeding and determine the next steps to reach optimal health. Contact us today.