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Rectal bleeding can range from very minor to a serious health threat, depending on the amount and location of the bleeding. Minor and brief bleeding is typically due to inflamed hemorrhoids or an anal fissure (see also: Anal Pain) and will appear as bright red drops in the toilet water or on toilet tissue. This type of rectal bleeding usually resolves on its own, but a doctor should be consulted if it recurs often or does not resolve quickly.
Bleeding from the anus can also be due to conditions higher in the rectal area or intestines, and occasionally due to blood from a stomach or esophageal problem. Generally, the higher up the blood is coming from, the darker it will be due to bacteria breaking down the blood in the intestine. Blood from upper gastrointestinal issues may appear as black or maroon stools. When bleeding is rapid, blood may pass through the intestines faster than it can be broken down by bacteria and will still appear red.
Colon and rectal conditions such as diverticulitis, proctitis (inflammation of the rectum), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and colon polyps or cancer can cause bleeding in the colon. The rectal bleeding may be mild or occult (undetectable by eye), moderate or severe enough to cause significant blood loss. In these cases, people may experience anemia, faintness and other symptoms of blood loss. This requires immediate medical attention.
Moderate or severe rectal bleeding requires medical testing and treatment. Your doctor may perform visual and manual exams of the rectum and anus, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, and blood tests to determine the cause of the bleeding. Injecting dyes or radioactive markers into the blood can help pinpoint the site of bleeding. With some conditions, bleeding may be intermittent and it can be difficult to determine the exact location.
Serious gastrointestinal conditions will require treatment by a doctor. Surgery may be required to remove polyps or a section of damaged intestine. More minor conditions such as anal fissures and hemorrhoids can be treated at home. Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in fiber and fruits will help keep the stools soft and allow damage to heal.
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