What causes rectal bleeding?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, passing blood in stool may be caused by food coloring, poor bowel habits, long-term smoking, hemorrhoids, colitis, and other factors. It is important to increase physical activity, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, and promote intestinal motility. Maintain a light diet and consume more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as sweet potatoes, honey, and apples, which can help lubricate the intestines and facilitate bowel movements.
In general, passing blood in stool (hematochezia) may be caused by food staining, poor bowel habits, long-term smoking, hemorrhoids, colitis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Food Staining
Consuming certain dark-colored foods such as beets, blackberries, or dragon fruit may darken stool or give it a reddish appearance, resembling bloody stool. It is advisable to adjust dietary habits and reduce intake of foods that easily discolor stool.
2. Poor Bowel Habits
Spending excessive time on defecation or straining too hard may cause rupture of blood vessels around the anus, leading to bleeding. It is important to develop healthy bowel habits, defecate at regular times, and avoid prolonged straining.
3. Long-Term Smoking
Harmful substances in tobacco may damage the intestinal mucosa and increase the risk of hematochezia. Quitting smoking promptly can reduce irritation to the intestinal lining.
4. Hemorrhoids
Prolonged sitting may impair blood circulation and lead to hemorrhoid formation. When internal or external hemorrhoids rupture or become inflamed, bright red blood often appears on the stool surface or drips after defecation, commonly accompanied by symptoms such as swelling and pain. Treatment may include medications such as compound algin suppositories, Jiuyi Hemorrhoid Capsules, or amoxicillin capsules, used under a doctor's guidance.
5. Colitis
Colitis may result from excessive mental stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, bacterial infections, and other factors. Inflammation can damage submucosal blood vessels, causing persistent bleeding and bloody stools, often accompanied by abdominal pain and diarrhea. Medications such as prednisone tablets, azathioprine tablets, or mesalazine enteric-coated tablets may be used as directed by a physician.
In daily life, individuals should engage in regular physical exercise, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, and promote intestinal motility. Maintaining a light diet and consuming fiber-rich foods such as sweet potatoes, honey, and apples can help moisturize the intestines and facilitate smooth bowel movements.
