Bloody [(the adjective, not the expletive)|(adjective, not expletive)|(not the expletive but the adjective)] [aptly|best|appropriately|pertinently|suitably] [characterizes|describes|depicts|exemplifies] bowel movement bleeding. Down the legs and into the toilet bowl, bright red droplets of blood flow. Red blood oozes from the surface of stools. Scarlet red blood stains the toilet tissue. Alarm causes our hearts to miss a beat. What is happening?
There is no need to be unduly alarmed yet as the hemorrhaging (technical jargon for bleeding) may be the result of any one of 6 likely reasons. Troublesome to our daily routine but most of the 6 are minor in severity and treatable with the right approach. Nevertheless, vigilance is advised. Intently monitor. If bleeding persists more than a week, accompanied by pain, see a medical doctor right away.
Accurate diagnosis can identify the precise cause to facilitate administration of appropriate treatment to solve the problem. More [alarmingly|critically|gravely|dangerously|perilously], bowel movement bleeding may be [the result of|the consequence of|caused by|a symptom of] some [type|form|class] of cancer.
Melena or Hematochezia
In medical circles, rectal bleeding is referred to as hematochezia (maroon colored or bright red blood) or melena (black colored sticky or tarry stools). Proctitis, anorectal fistulae, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids are the 6 causes of the bleeding, referred to as rectal as the rectum is where blood leaves the body.
Proctitis
Proctitis is classified as an inflammatory bowel disease, a group of inflammatory conditions of the small intestine and the large intestine (colon). Inflammation in itself is a positive response of the human body to heal itself in the event of an injury to its tissue. Often too much of a good thing can become harmful; so it is with inflammation, which if leftuncontrolled upon repairing damaged tissue can itself be the cause of more tissue injury. Rectal proctitis is caused by ulcers which are erosion of the mucous membrane lining.
Among other symptoms, bowel movement bleeding is [a frequent feature|commonly encountered|a common encounter|a frequent occurrence]. The elimination of proctitis as the cause of rectal bleeding is critical as at an advanced stage, the rectum can become perforated.
Anorectal Fistulae
This is an unnatural linkway between two or more unconnected internal organs. All too often, it tunnels all the way to break out of nearby skin surface. An anorectal fissure opens out at the anal surface. Urine and stools may abnormally discharge via this fistula.
Inflammatory bowel diseases, chiefly ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative proctitis, are the main causes of anorectal fistulae. [Quite apart from|Aside from|Apart from|Other than] infection pus, bowel movement bleeding is also one of the symptoms.
Fistulae must be properly diagnosed as it can be due to peritonitis (abdominal lining inflammation) which can be life-threatening. Treatment often involves tracing the full path of the fistula, surgery in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.
Anal Fissures
A fissure is a tear, plain and simple. Primarily ascribed to excessive physical strain during constipation, an anal fissure is a tear around the opening of the anus. Motion passing is contingent upon the external and internal sphincter muscles of the anal opening being relaxed. Painful fissures can cause the internal sphincter muscle to go into spasms that greatly increase pressure in the region, further worsening the fissure. A [dangerous|vicious] cycle [develops|ensues|follows|occurs] [with the result of|resulting in|with the consequence of] [increased|more|added] pain and bowel movement bleeding.
Together with medication (steroids like hydrocortisone and local anaesthetics like lidocaine), a change in diet may relieve the inflammation and painful spasms.
Rectal Prolapse
A truly antiquated affliction, the earliest plight of rectal prolapse was documented in 1500 B.C.! Afflicting largely elderly females, this situation is characterised by the rectum hanging visibly out of the anus. Weakened muscles, including external and internal sphincter muscles, and ligaments fail to hold the rectum in its place.
Pelvic floor descent of the uterus and bladder, incessant constipation and diarrhea leading to severe bowel movement difficulties are other associated symptoms. Typically, surgery is the only treatment that is effective.
[Internal Hemorrhoids & External Hemorrhoids|External Hemorrhoids & Internal Hemorrhoids|Internal & External Hemorrhoids|External & Internal Hemorrhoids|Hemorrhoids - Internal & External|Hemorrhoids - External & Internal]
[Notwithstanding|In spite of|Regardless of] the above [disconcerting|somber|weighty|austere|grim] narration, it may be ironic relief that the most [common|frequent|prevalent] [cause of|reason for] bowel movement bleeding is hemorrhoids, both [external and internal|internal and external]. These are dealt with extensively at our site The Treatment Of Hemorrhoid.
Feel free to explore the various options available to deal effectively with them. [Specifically|In particular], have a look at the H Miracle, an alternative solution presented by an ex-sufferer that promises natural solutions that not only work but [have lasting effect|are permanently effective|have lasting results].
Further Reading
If you are interested in finding more about this topic, we have a related post on Blood In Stool – 7 Possible Causes In The Colon at our site. Do check this out.
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