Anal or Bowel Bleeding
Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Anal or bowel bleeding means there is blood coming from your bottom, which can show up in your stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet. It can be a sign of something minor like haemorrhoids, or more serious issues like polyps or cancer.
You might notice bright red blood, dark stools, or mucus. Bleeding can happen with pain or without any other symptoms.
Causes of Anal and Bowel Bleeding
Anal and bowel bleeding can result from a variety of conditions:
Haemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause bright red bleeding during bowel movements.
Anal Fissures: Small tears or cracks in the lining of the anus, often causing pain and bleeding.
Diverticular Disease: Formation of small pouches in the colon wall that can bleed or become inflamed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that cause inflammation and bleeding in the digestive tract.
Colorectal Polyps: Growths on the lining of the colon or rectum that can bleed; some may develop into cancer.
Colorectal Cancer: Malignant tumours in the colon or rectum that can cause bleeding and other symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Infections: Infections that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Anal and Bowel Bleeding Symptoms
Symptoms that may accompany anal and bowel bleeding include:
Bright Red Blood: On toilet paper, in the stool, or in the toilet bowl.
Dark or Black Stool: May indicate bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Abdominal Pain: Cramping or discomfort in the abdomen.
Anal Pain: Pain or discomfort around the anus, especially during or after bowel movements.
Changes in Bowel Habits: Including diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency.
Diagnosis of Anal and Bowel Bleeding
Diagnosing the cause of anal and bowel bleeding involves a medical history review, physical examination, colonoscopy, endoscopy and imaging studies
Physical Examination: Including a digital rectal exam to check for haemorrhoids, fissures, or other abnormalities.
Colonoscopy: A procedure using a flexible tube to view the inner lining of the colon and rectum and take biopsies if needed.
Endoscopy: To examine the upper gastrointestinal tract if bleeding is suspected from that area.
Imaging Studies: Such as CT scans or MRI to evaluate for conditions like diverticular disease or tumours.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience persistent or severe anal and bowel bleeding, or if you have additional symptoms such as significant abdominal pain, weight loss, or changes in bowel habits, it is important to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for addressing the underlying cause and improving outcomes.
Book an appointment with our specialists to find out what’s causing it and get the right treatment. Your initial consultation is bulk-billed and does not require a referral.
