Bleeding from the rectum

Bleeding – the flow of blood from a damaged blood vessel. When bleeding into the lungs, bronchi, trachea, duodenum, stomach, or esophagus, the flowing blood can break through the mouth. Due to bleeding into the lungs, the patient coughs up fresh frothy blood. When bleeding from the stomach or duodenum, the patient vomits blood mixed with clots and food particles. When bleeding from the colon or rectum, blood is passed with stools; when bleeding from the kidneys, bladder, or ureter – with urine. Due to sudden blood loss of about 1 liter, heart function starts to fail, internal organs lack oxygen, acute anemia occurs, and hemorrhagic shock may develop. Bleeding is especially dangerous for children and elderly people. After bleeding, there is weakness, thirst, pale skin and mucous membranes, increased pulse, profuse sweating. A person dies after losing 50-60% of blood, and in cases of severe bleeding, even 25%. Chronic, mild, and long-term bleeding leads to chronic iron deficiency anemia.

Rectal bleeding involves blood passing from the rectum or anus, often noticeable in stool. Causes range from hemorrhoids and anal fissures, which are common and often not serious, to more serious conditions like colorectal cancer or gastric ulcers. Patients might see bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Dark, tarry stools can also indicate rectal bleeding. While minor rectal bleeding is quite common, one shouldn’t ignore it. If you experience heavy or recurrent bleeding, or if it’s accompanied by additional symptoms such as weight loss or severe pain, you should seek medical attention promptly.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology