GI SYMPTOM · FRISCO / PLANO, TX
Rectal Bleeding Treatment in Frisco/Plano, TX
Blood on the toilet paper or in your stool can be minor or a warning sign that needs attention. Board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Adnan S. Badr evaluates and treats rectal bleeding for patients across Frisco, Plano and North Texas.
Same-Week Evaluation
25+ Years Experience
Board-Certified GI
Rectal bleeding is a condition where blood is coming out of the anus. Rectal bleeding can be a symptom of conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or colorectal cancer.
If you go to the toilet and after wiping your anus you see blood on the toilet paper or you see blood in your stool, this may be a sign that you have rectal bleeding.
Rectal bleeding can be a minor or serious condition. Hemorrhoids can cause minor rectal bleeding – the bleeding usually doesn’t last long and it can be easily treated. Colorectal cancer can cause serious rectal bleeding and loss of lots of blood. Immediately seek the attention of your doctor if you have a serious case of rectal bleeding.
The right Rectal Bleeding Treatment in Frisco TX depends on the bleeding color, frequency, pain level, bowel changes, medical history, and whether symptoms suggest hemorrhoids, fissures, inflammation, or colon disease.
SYMPTOMS
What Rectal Bleeding Looks Like
The common symptom of rectal bleeding is the presence of blood in your stool or toilet wipe. The color of the blood can range from bright red to dark maroon to black. It is important to pay attention to the exact color of the blood because the different blood colors mean different things.
Bright red
Usually means the bleeding starts somewhere in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as your colon or rectum.
Dark red or maroon
Usually indicates the bleeding is in the intestine or a higher portion of the colon.
Dark & tar-like
Often indicates the bleeding is in the stomach, such as bleeding from stomach ulcers.
Other symptoms of rectal bleeding
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Feeling dizzy
- Rectal or anal pain
- Abdominal pain or cramping
CAUSES
Mild vs. Serious Causes
There are mild causes and serious causes of rectal bleeding. Understanding which category your symptoms may fall into helps you decide how quickly to seek care.
USUALLY MILD
Mild causes
- Anal fissures
- Constipation
- Allergic reactions to certain food
- Passing hard or dry stools
- Hemorrhoids
- Irritated veins in the anus or rectum
- Polyps - small tissue growths in the lining of the rectum or colon
SEE A DOCTOR
Serious causes
- Colon cancer
- Anal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Intestinal infection
- Blood-clotting disorders
When to see a doctor now
You should worry about rectal bleeding if it lasts longer than 2 or 3 weeks. If you are experiencing serious symptoms such as feeling dizzy, fainting, unexplained weight loss, or confusion, you should see your doctor immediately. For many patients, Rectal Bleeding Treatment in Frisco/Plano, TX may involve identifying the source of bleeding before choosing the right treatment approach.
How Rectal Bleeding Is Treated
The treatment options for rectal bleeding depend on the cause and severity. Treating the underlying cause of the rectal bleeding helps to stop the bleeding.
If hemorrhoids are the cause of your rectal bleeding, you may relieve the pain and discomfort by taking warm baths. Applying over-the-counter or prescription creams around your anal area can help reduce irritation.
If your hemorrhoid pain is severe or the hemorrhoids are very large, your doctor may perform more invasive procedures such as rubber band ligation, laser treatments, and surgical removal of the hemorrhoid.
Anal fissures may resolve on their own. If you have constipation, you can use stool softeners to address the constipation. If you have intestinal infections, taking antibiotics can help eliminate the bacteria.
Colon cancers are serious causes of rectal bleeding and may require more invasive and long-term treatments. Surgical procedures such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation may be used to remove the cancer.
Always keep your rectal area clean and stay hydrated. Eat high-fiber foods and exercise regularly.
TREATMENT
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Rectal bleeding can stop on its own depending on the cause of the bleeding. You need to be observant and pay attention to how frequently you bleed. If the bleeding happens just once and then stops, you don’t need to see your doctor — but if the bleeding is consistent, you need to call your doctor for proper treatment.
You should worry about your rectal bleeding if the bleeding lasts longer than 2 or 3 weeks. If you are experiencing serious symptoms such as feeling dizzy, fainting, unexplained weight loss, or confusion, you should immediately see your doctor.
Minor cases of rectal bleeding are typically not an emergency, but if you are experiencing a severe case of rectal bleeding where the bleeding is consistent and you’re bleeding a lot, you should immediately inform your doctor for proper treatment.
You can stop rectal bleeding at home by drinking lots of water, applying ice packs on your anal area, and using over-the-counter ointments or suppositories to soften your stool. Eat more fiber, such as fruits and vegetables and fiber supplements. Take more baths to increase blood flow and relax your anal muscles.
Yes. Rectal bleeding is usually a result of internal bleeding that comes from the rectum, colon, small intestine, or stomach. When stooling, the blood from these areas can mix with your stool.
Stress can contribute to a variety of stomach symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal bloating and cramping, but it can’t cause rectal bleeding.
Yes. Not drinking enough water can cause constipation and harden your stool, which can cause rectal bleeding.
Severe rectal bleeding is when you pass stool with moderate to severe bleeding, when you repeatedly pass larger quantities of bright or dark-red blood, or when you pass several bowel movements — or a single bowel movement — containing a large amount of blood. All of these are considered severe rectal bleeding.
Blood in your stool can be harmless, but it can also be a sign of a serious condition such as colon cancer, intestinal infection, or inflammatory bowel disease. When in doubt, have it evaluated.
Concerned About Rectal Bleeding? Get Evaluated.
If you are seeing blood in your stool, blood on toilet paper, dark stool, rectal pain, dizziness, abdominal pain, or ongoing bleeding, Dr. Adnan S. Badr provides Rectal Bleeding Treatment in Frisco/Plano, TX with careful evaluation and personalized care.
Frisco
4500 Hillcrest Rd, Ste 185, Frisco, TX 75035
Plano
5800 Communications Parkway, Plano, TX 75093
Phone
(972) 514-3530 · Fax (972) 514-3531
Hours
Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–4:30 PM · Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM