What causes rectal bleeding?
Sep 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
The main causes of rectal bleeding include food staining, minor anal trauma, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. After defecation, the anus and surrounding skin can be washed with alkaline soap and warm water to reduce contact between acidic excretions, digestive enzymes, and the skin, thereby minimizing local irritation and discomfort. If necessary, an antibiotic ointment may be applied to protect the integrity of the skin.
In general, rectal bleeding may be caused by food staining, anal trauma, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or other reasons. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Food Staining
Consuming certain foods such as beetroot or red dragon fruit may cause stool to appear red, which can sometimes be mistaken for rectal bleeding. This usually requires no special treatment and resolves spontaneously after adjusting the diet.
2. Anal Injury
During intense physical activity, constipation, or diarrhea, excessive tension of the anal sphincter or friction-induced irritation of the anal mucosa may lead to minor rectal bleeding. Maintaining regular bowel movements and avoiding prolonged sitting are recommended.
3. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a condition caused by dilation and varicosity of venous plexuses in the lower rectum or anal canal. During defecation, ruptured dilated veins can result in rectal bleeding, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as anal pain and itching. Treatment may include medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, enteric-coated aspirin tablets, or acetaminophen tablets, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
4. Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is caused by a combination of environmental, genetic, intestinal microbiota, and immune factors. In ulcerative colitis, widespread inflammatory reactions occur in the patient's intestinal mucosa, leading to mucus, pus, and blood mixing with stool, resulting in rectal bleeding. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is recommended to follow a doctor’s instructions for treatment with medications such as azithromycin enteric-coated tablets, montmorillonite powder, or mesalazine enteric-coated tablets.
5. Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease results from interactions among multiple factors, primarily infection, gut microbiota, and immune responses. Patients develop ulcers and granulomas in the intestinal mucosa, leading to bleeding. Blood may mix with stool during defecation, causing rectal bleeding, along with possible symptoms such as fever and oral ulcers. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, or metronidazole tablets.
Diet should be based on the principles of being light, easily digestible, and nutritionally balanced. Avoid rough, raw, cold, spicy, or otherwise irritating foods.
