bleeding
Rectal Bleeding
Also called: Hematochezia
Rectal bleeding, or hematochezia, is the passage of bright red blood from the anus, which can appear on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or mixed in the stool. It is a common symptom with a wide range of causes, from benign conditions like hemorrhoids and anal fissures to more serious diseases such as colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. Because the cause cannot be determined by symptoms alone, all instances of rectal bleeding warrant a medical evaluation to establish an accurate diagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to have a little bleeding from hemorrhoids?
While it is a common symptom of hemorrhoids, it is never considered 'normal' to have rectal bleeding. Even if you think it's from hemorrhoids, you should have it evaluated by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other, more serious causes.
Can stress cause rectal bleeding?
Stress itself does not directly cause bleeding. However, stress can worsen symptoms of some conditions that do cause bleeding, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can sometimes be associated with bleeding.
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