What causes rectal bleeding?
Sep 24, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
In general, rectal bleeding may be related to poor dietary habits, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, ulcerative colitis, colorectal polyps, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, one should increase intake of dietary fiber from foods such as celery, spinach, and apples to promote intestinal motility and reduce gastrointestinal irritation. At the same time, it's important to develop healthy bowel habits and avoid prolonged squatting or sitting on the toilet.
Bleeding during bowel movements is generally associated with factors such as poor dietary habits, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, ulcerative colitis, and colorectal polyps. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Poor Dietary Habits
Long-term consumption of spicy or irritating foods, or insufficient dietary fiber intake, may affect intestinal motility and defecation, increasing the risk of rectal bleeding. It is advisable to increase intake of dietary fiber from sources such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes to promote intestinal motility, soften stools, and facilitate easier bowel movements.
2. Hemorrhoids
Chronic constipation or diarrhea may lead to hemorrhoids. During defecation, stool can rub against the mucosal surface of hemorrhoids, causing damage and resulting in bleeding. This may be accompanied by pain and prolapse of anal tissue. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment, Gantai Ointment, or Compound Carrageenan Suppositories.
3. Anal Fissure
Dry stools or excessive straining during bowel movements may cause tears in the anal skin, leading to anal fissures. The fissure wound may be compressed during defecation, resulting in bleeding. This condition is typically accompanied by pain and itching during bowel movements. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include topical medications such as lincomycin-lidocaine gel, erythromycin ointment, or glyceryl trinitrate ointment.
4. Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis may result from abnormal immune function. Inflammation, edema, and ulcers on the mucosal lining of the rectum and sigmoid colon may lead to bleeding, causing blood in the stool. Symptoms may also include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Treatment should follow medical guidance and may involve medications such as mesalamine enteric-coated tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, or azathioprine tablets.
5. Colorectal Polyps
Recurrent gastrointestinal infections may cause hyperplasia of the intestinal mucosa, forming polyps. Hard stools passing through the intestine may rub against the surface of a polyp, potentially causing injury and bleeding, along with symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Treatment under medical supervision may include endoscopic mucosal resection—separating the submucosal layer from the muscularis propria via endoscopy, followed by complete or piecewise removal of the mucosal lesion to achieve therapeutic goals.
In daily life, it is important to increase intake of dietary fiber-rich foods such as celery, spinach, and apples to promote intestinal motility and reduce intestinal irritation. Additionally, one should develop healthy bowel habits and avoid prolonged squatting or sitting on the toilet.
