What should I do if I have diarrhea with bleeding?

Nov 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Diarrhea with bleeding may be caused by dietary irritation, excessive straining during bowel movements, acute gastroenteritis, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, etc. It can be improved by adjusting diet, improving bowel habits, and medication. If there is heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain, prompt medical attention is necessary. Consuming excessive spicy or hard foods can irritate the intestines.

Rectal bleeding during diarrhea may be caused by dietary irritation, excessive straining during bowel movements, acute gastroenteritis, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, and other conditions. Symptoms can be improved through dietary adjustments, improved bowel habits, and medication. If there is heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Dietary irritation: Consuming excessive spicy or hard foods can irritate the intestinal mucosa, causing minor injuries and bleeding. The blood in stool is typically bright red and appears on the surface of the feces. It is recommended to switch immediately to mild, easily digestible foods such as porridge or noodle soup, and avoid spicy or hard foods.

2. Excessive straining during bowel movements: Frequent and forceful defecation during diarrhea may cause tears in the anal mucosa, resulting in bleeding accompanied by slight pain during bowel movements. Avoid excessive straining, and after defecation, clean the anal area with warm water to maintain local hygiene.

3. Acute gastroenteritis: Intestinal inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infections leads to mucosal congestion, edema, erosion, and bleeding. Stool may contain mucus, pus, and blood, accompanied by frequent abdominal pain and diarrhea. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as levofloxacin capsules, montmorillonite powder, and oral rehydration salts can be used to alleviate symptoms.

4. Ulcerative colitis: Chronic intestinal inflammation due to abnormal immune function causes mucosal ulcers and bleeding. Stool often contains mucus, pus, and blood, along with recurrent diarrhea and abdominal pain. Patients may follow medical advice to take mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, or prednisone tablets to relieve discomfort.

5. Hemorrhoids: Increased abdominal pressure during diarrhea may cause rupture of hemorrhoidal venous plexuses, leading to bright red dripping or spurting rectal bleeding, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness around the anus. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment, Gangtai suppositories, or diosmin tablets can be used to improve symptoms.

Maintain a light and easily digestible diet, drink plenty of warm water to stay hydrated, keep the anal area clean and dry, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, and engage in moderate physical activity to promote intestinal recovery and reduce discomfort.