Rectal Bleeding

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Introduction

Rectal bleeding is the passing of blood from the anus during or after defecation. Although rectal bleeding may occur in many individuals at some time in their lives, and it might be due to common benign conditions, it must never be taken lightly because it could also be more severe underlying illnesses that produce blood in stool symptoms. A prompt medical examination is essential to determine the cause of blood in motion and to receive appropriate treatment. This extensive guide will discuss the different aspects of rectal bleeding, namely its symptoms, blood in stool causes, diagnosis, Ayurveda and home remedies, special considerations, and when to consult professional medical advice.

Causes of Rectal Bleeding

The reason for blood in motion may vary from small irritations to serious medical conditions. The determination of the very specific blood in stool causes is very important for proper blood in stool treatment.

Benign Causes:

Hemorrhoids (Arsha): Distended veins in the lower rectum and anus, leading to bright red blood. They are a very common reason for why blood comes in motion.
Anal Fissures (Parikartika): Tiny tears in the lining of the anus, leading to cutting pain and bleeding when passing stools. This is another common cause of why blood comes in stool.

Serious Causes:

Colorectal polyps are abnormal growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum that can bleed and may potentially develop into cancer.
Diverticular disease is small sacs in the wall of the colon, which can lead to diverticulitis, potentially causing bleeding.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis induce inflammation and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in rectal bleeding.
Benign as well as malignant tumours may produce rectal bleeding, with colorectal cancer being a serious issue.
Some gastrointestinal infections, including amoebic colitis, may result in rectal bleeding, frequently accompanied by loose motion with blood.
Contemporary medicines such as anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may lead to rectal bleeding.
Overconsumption of hot, pungent, sour, and salty food, grains, and meats may disturb Vata & Kapha, resulting in anal fissure and may be the reason why blood comes in stool.

Symptoms of Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding can be of various types, and its characteristics can offer clues about its cause.

Blood on toilet paper, a coating on stools, or dark blood mixed with stools are all forms of rectal bleeding.
Bleeding from the rectum or anal canal is evidenced by bright red blood, with darker red blood pointing to a higher colon origin.
Black, tarry stools, called melaena, signify bleeding from the small intestine or more proximally in the gastrointestinal tract.
Bleeding from the rectum is usually associated with other symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract, such as bowel habit disturbance, pain, and perianal pain.
A fissure in the anus gives the patient severe pain and minimal red streaks of blood following defecation.

Loose motion with blood is a feature of conditions such as ulcerative or infectious colitis.

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Diagnosis

Following clinical assessment, several procedures are carried out to diagnose rectal bleeding systematically.

Medical History and Physical Examination: History regarding the nature of the bleeding, the frequency of the bleeding, and the duration of the bleeding.
Colonoscopy: A procedure in which the rectum and colon are examined using an endoscope to seek the causes of bleeding, such as polyps, tumours, or inflammation.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: It is used to examine the lower colon in cases where a complete colonoscopy is not possible.
Imaging Studies: MDCT and CT angiography should be performed if there is a suspicion of vascular malformations or for any other relevant reason.
Blood Tests: For anaemia, stool occult blood, and ova/cysts/bacteria.
Referral to Other Specialists: Refer the patient to surgeons or gastroenterologists to evaluate and treat them.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Rectal Bleeding

The goal of Ayurveda’s wholesome blood-in-stool treatment is to stop the bleeding (styptic action), heal the imbalances, and reverse them.

Go Ghrita: For a fissure in the anus, local application of Go Ghrita (cow’s ghee) with a sitz bath has been found to give good relief from pain, bleeding, and itching. Go Ghrita possesses anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity, and it acts by covering the wounds with a thin film to support epithelization. Its other properties are also mentioned as Balya (strengthening), Rasayana (rejuvenating), and exhibiting Vranaropaka (wound healing) activity.
Kshara Karma: This parasurgical process is a medication applied to treat haemorrhoids (Arsha), resulting in marked relief from bleeding per rectum.
Vasti Therapy: There is also some valuable evidence from the literature supporting that enemas such as Matra Vasti and Ksheera Vasti are useful for ulcerative colitis and can improve rectal bleeding and promote healing.
Picchavasti, a milk-based variety of vasti, has been particularly beneficial for ulcerative colitis patients with rectal bleeding, as it protects from ulcerations and helps promote healing.
Styptic Formulations: Many very good styptic formulations in Ayurveda have cold potency (sheeta veerya), styptic (stambhana), rakta prasadana (blood pacifying), pitta shamaka (pitta pacifying), and mild purgative (rechaka) properties.
Stool Softeners: Constipation is one of the big contributors to blood in the motion. Using a stool softener such as medicated ghee helps in the easy passage of stool and prevents rectal bleeding.
Avagaha (Warm Sitz Bath): This provides warmth to the anal region and reduces spasms as well as discomfort of the sphincter. This also prevents rectal bleeding.

Home Remedies for Rectal Bleeding

Home remedies will provide symptomatic relief. They are no substitute for the advice of a trained medical professional. When you have rectal bleeding, always visit a doctor to find out the underlying blood in stool causes.

Adding more fibre in the form of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will soften the stool and decrease straining during bowel movements, which can help with rectal bleeding due to haemorrhoids or fissures.
Consuming sufficient water will help avoid constipation, which will decrease the chances of straining, a frequent cause of blood in motion.
Sitz baths (immersion in warm water) can provide relief for pain and discomfort from rectal bleeding, particularly in the case of haemorrhoids.
Haemorrhoid creams or ointments available over the counter might relieve irritation and inflammation.
Limiting the consumption of hot foods, caffeine, and alcohol might reduce irritation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Proper rest and refraining from long periods of sitting can also be helpful.

When to Seek the Doctors

Since a delayed diagnosis might prove fatal for any patient, understanding the emergency nature of rectal bleeding is of great concern for the patient or the people surrounding them. A pat with serious rectal bleeding should generally be treated immediately, and the treatment search should be started without delay.

See a doctor if the rectal bleeding persists for more than a few days or recurs.
Blood mixed in stool, especially bright red or any dark colour, should be evaluated right away.
Severe abdominal pain, weight loss, massive change in bowel movements, or weakness: these are serious blood-in-stool symptoms indicating something more severe.
People over 40 should be aware that the risk of colorectal cancer rises with age.
A history of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal illnesses in the family requires one to visit a healthcare provider when rectal bleeding occurs.

If bleeding is profuse or is associated with dizziness, fainting, or evidence of shock, medical help must be sought immediately.

Conclusion

Rectal bleeding is a frequent but potentially significant blood-in-stool symptom that warrants investigation. Generally, blood in stool is correctable when caused by a benign entity such as haemorrhoids or anal fissures, but it is essential to also exclude reasons such as colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. A proper history and physical examination, along with appropriate diagnostic tests, must be performed to determine the etiology behind blood in motion and blood in stool treatment. Certain medications, along with lifestyle changes, serve to rectify rectal bleeding. Always consult an expert for the correct diagnosis and the most appropriate solution to treat blood in stool.

FAQs

What are the main causes of rectal bleeding?

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common benign blood in stool causes, but more serious conditions like colorectal polyps, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and tumors can also be the reason for blood in motion. Determining the exact why blood comes in stool requires a medical evaluation.

When should I be worried about blood in stool?

You should be worried if rectal bleeding is persistent, heavy, or accompanied by severe abdominal pain, weight loss, or changes in bowel habits, or if you are over 40 years old. These are crucial blood in stool symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention.

Can hemorrhoids cause bright red blood in stool?

Yes, hemorrhoids are one of the most common blood in stool causes and typically result in bright red blood on wiping or in the toilet bowl, often without pain in their early stages. The blood usually appears as splashes in the pan as the stool comes out.

What is the Ayurvedic treatment for rectal bleeding?

Blood in stool treatment in Ayurveda involves therapies like Kshara Karma for hemorrhoids, Udumbara Kwatha and Vasti therapy for ulcerative colitis, and styptic formulations with cold potency and purgative properties. These aim to stop bleeding and promote healing while addressing the underlying imbalances.

Does rectal bleeding always mean cancer?

No, rectal bleeding is often caused by benign conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, but it can also be a blood in stool symptom of serious diseases, including colorectal cancer, making medical evaluation crucial. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to determine exactly why blood comes in motion.

How can I stop rectal bleeding at home?

For minor causes, home remedies focus on softening stools with increased fiber and hydration, using warm sitz baths for comfort, and avoiding irritants like spicy food, but these are not a substitute for professional diagnosis and blood in stool treatment. Persistent or severe bleeding always requires medical assessment.

REFERENCES

Katzman, W. B., Vittinghoff, E., Lin, F., Schafer, A., Long, R. K., Wong, S., et al. (2017). Targeted spine strengthening exercise and posture training program to reduce hyperkyphosis in older adults: results from the Study of Hyperkyphosis, Exercise, and Function (SHEAF) randomized controlled trial. Osteoporosis International, 28(10), 2831–2841.

Sepehri, S., Sheikhhoseini, R., Piri, H., et al. (2024). The effect of various therapeutic exercises on forward head posture, rounded shoulder, and hyperkyphosis among people with upper crossed syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 25:105.

Kado, D. M., Huang, M. H., Karlamangla, A. S., Barrett-Connor, E., & Greendale, G. A. (2004). Hyperkyphotic posture predicts mortality in older community-dwelling men and women: a prospective study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 52(10), 1662–1667.

Qaisar, I., Yasser, M., et al. (2022). Reduction of thoracic hyper-kyphosis improves short and long term outcomes in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(20), 6028.

Katzman, W. B., Wanek, L., Shepherd, J. A., & Sellmeyer, D. E. (2010). Age-related hyperkyphosis: its causes, consequences, and management. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 40(6), 352–360.

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