Hemorrhoids. These are swollen veins inside or outside of the anus that can cause itching or pain while passing stool. These are extremely common. Anal fissure. This is a tear in the lower rectum. You’ll likely have a sharp pain while pooping, followed by a low burning sensation. An STI or irritation after anal sex. If you have genital warts in your anus, or you have anal sex without proper lubrication or preparation, it can cause temporary rectal bleeding. A side effect of blood thinners (like warfarin). This is especially likely if you have zero pain associated with the blood.
An anal fistula. This is a small connection from an infected gland to your skin. You’ll often have yellow slime alongside blood and frequent anal pain. Gastroenteritis. If you feel sick or feverish, it’s probably just a tummy bug. IBD or Crohn’s disease. If you feel bloated and have bloody diarrhea, you likely have one of these chronic conditions. Bowel polyps. These are small growths in your intestine that occasionally bleed. This could be nothing, or an early warning sign of colon cancer.
Internal trauma. You may have internal bleeding in your small intestine, stomach, or esophagus if you were in a car crash, fight, or fall. Colon cancer. Other signs include: trouble emptying your bowel, weakness, fatigue, radical changes in your bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss. Ulcer. You may have an ulcer in your stomach, intestine, or esophagus. If you have localized pain somewhere other than your rectum, this is likely the cause. Diverticular disease. These conditions are caused by bulges in your digestive tract. If you have a fever and nausea alongside the bloody stool, it’s probably a diverticular disease.
Iron supplements or medication. Activated charcoal supplements. Pepto-Bismol.
You have rectal bleeding that is persistent associated with sharp pain that doesn’t dissipate. Your skin turns pale and sweaty while you are experiencing rectal bleeding. You have trouble breathing, blurred vision, you feel faint, or you’re nauseous. You’re confused, cold, or unable to urinate.
The doctor may also feel and apply pressure to your abdomen externally. They’ll feel for any odd lumps or potential tumors inside your body. This may sound scary, but it won’t hurt. It may feel a little awkward to you, but remember that this your doctor’s day job. They’ve done this hundreds of times and you have nothing to be embarrassed about.
Both the blood sample and stool sample will need to be sent to an off-site lab for examination. The results may take up to a week to be returned.
Instead of a colonoscopy, the doctor may ask you to complete an endoscopy instead, which will go through your mouth instead of your anus. [10] X Expert Source Dale Prokupek, MDBoard Certified Internist & Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 16 April 2020. If you’re 40 or older, your doctor will recommend regular colonoscopies to rule out the possibility of colon cancer.
You may need radiation or surgery to remove a tumor, remove your colon (called a colectomy), or stitch an internal wound shut. Your doctor may suggest a specific set of medications and antacids to neutralize an ulcer or soothe a GI bug. You may need to change your diet. The treatment for some diverticular diseases is a short-term liquid diet, for example. Celiac’s disease requires a gluten-free diet. Regardless of whatever your underlying condition is, your doctor will have a ton of resources to help you get back into tiptop shape.
If you have hemorrhoids, the doctor may also provide a hemorrhoid cream or a steroid cream to reduce rectal inflammation.
Legumes like lentils, split peas, and chickpeas. Fruits like pears and apples, with the skin on. Whole-grain muffins, bagels, and pasta. You can always take psyllium husk (like Metamucil) if you can’t eat enough fiber in your diet.
On average, an adult woman should drink about 11. 5 cups (2. 7 L) of water and other fluids a day. An adult man should drink about 15. 5 cups (3. 7 L) of water and other fluids a day. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
In the meantime, avoid foods that you know cause you stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Just eat a healthy, diverse diet with plenty of fiber.
Consult your doctor before applying a medicated cream. Although most over-the-counter creams are mild and safe, your doctor will be able to advise you about which brand of cream to use. The doctor can also write you a prescription if a stronger cream is needed.
