What could be the reason for painless, itch-free rectal bleeding?
Feb 26, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Passing blood in stool, also known as hematochezia, may be caused by conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, or rectal polyps, and is often accompanied by no pain or itching. It is recommended that patients promptly visit a hospital for professional evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment to avoid delays in managing the condition. In daily life, patients should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and refrain from consuming spicy or irritating foods such as hot pot, grilled food, Sichuan-style cuisine, and ice cream.
Blood in stool, also known as hematochezia, may be caused by conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, or rectal polyps, and it may occur without pain or itching. It is recommended that patients promptly visit a hospital for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified physician to prevent disease progression. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are varicose veins near the rectum or anus and are classified as internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids occur within the rectal wall, while external hemorrhoids develop in the subcutaneous tissue around the anus. When hemorrhoids rupture or become damaged, they may cause bleeding during bowel movements. The blood is typically bright red but often does not come with pain or itching. Patients may, under medical guidance, use medications such as diosmin tablets, maziprilin tablets, or musk hemorrhoid suppositories for symptom relief. If necessary, surgical removal of hemorrhoids at a reputable hospital may be required.
2. Anal Fissure
An anal fissure refers to a tear in the skin at the end of the rectum or near the anus. Excessive straining during defecation or injury to the perianal tissue can lead to fissures. These often result in bright red bleeding during bowel movements. However, due to nerve ending damage, patients might not feel pain. Under a doctor’s supervision, medications such as maziprilin tablets, compound phellodendron liquid topical agent, or compound algininate suppositories may be used for treatment.
3. Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which may result from bacterial infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, or other factors. Gastritis can damage the gastric lining, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. After digestion, the blood may appear in stool as black or tarry (melena). In such cases, patients may take medications like omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.
4. Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum, potentially causing ulcers in the mucosal lining of the rectum and colon. These ulcers may lead to bleeding during bowel movements, with blood typically appearing bright red. Under medical guidance, patients may be treated with sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, mesalazine sustained-release granules, or gut-enteric diarrhea-stopping pills.
5. Rectal Polyps
Rectal polyps are growths or polyp-like lesions on the inner wall of the rectum and may be either benign or malignant. Some polyps may become injured during bowel movements, resulting in bleeding, though early stages may present no other symptoms. Treatment options include endoscopic mucosal resection or colonoscopic removal of rectal polyps at a正规 hospital.
Patients should avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, and refrain from eating spicy or irritating foods such as hot pot, barbecue, Sichuan-style cuisine, and ice cream. They should cultivate healthy bowel habits, maintain local hygiene after defecation, and take measures to prevent worsening of their condition.
