Blood in faeces, also known as rectal bleeding, is a common symptom caused by a variety of health conditions. In most cases, the bleeding is not serious and can be treated successfully.

However, there are some health conditions that can cause rectal bleeding or blood in faeces that can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of blood in faeces, their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

1. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding. They are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum that can bleed during bowel movements. Other symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, pain, and swelling around the anus.

Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, and can be caused by straining during bowel movements, constipation, or pregnancy.

2. Anal Fissures

Anal fissures are small tears in the thin tissue lining of the anus. They are usually caused by passing hard stools, constipation, or diarrhea. The most common symptoms of anal fissures include pain during bowel movements, itching, and rectal bleeding.

Anal fissures are usually treated with dietary changes, stool softeners, and topical medications.

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

The most common symptoms of IBD include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. Treatment options for IBD include medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

4. Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It is the third most common cancer in the world.

The most common symptoms of colorectal cancer include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or discomfort, changes in bowel habits, and unintended weight loss. Treatment options for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

5. Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pockets, called diverticula, form in the lining of the colon and become infected or inflamed. The most common symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and rectal bleeding.

Treatment options for diverticulitis include medication, dietary changes, and surgery in severe cases.

6. Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. The most common symptoms of peptic ulcers include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and rectal bleeding.

Treatment options for peptic ulcers include medication, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery.

7. Angiodysplasia

Angiodysplasia is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the colon become weakened and dilated, leading to rectal bleeding. The most common symptoms of angiodysplasia include rectal bleeding, anemia, and abdominal pain.

Treatment options for angiodysplasia include endoscopic therapy, medication, and surgery in severe cases.

8. Infection

Rectal bleeding can also be caused by infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The most common symptoms of infections include fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

Treatment options for infections depend on the specific type of infection and may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antifungal medications.

9. Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the tissues of the anus. The most common symptoms of anal cancer include rectal bleeding, pain or pressure in the anus, and changes in bowel habits.

Treatment options for anal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

10. Intestinal Polyps

Intestinal polyps are small growths that develop on the lining of the colon or rectum. The most common symptoms of intestinal polyps include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain.

Most polyps are benign, but some can develop into cancer over time. Treatment options for intestinal polyps include removing the polyps through colonoscopy or surgery.

Conclusion

Rectal bleeding can be caused by a variety of health conditions, ranging from minor issues like hemorrhoids and anal fissures to more serious conditions like colorectal cancer and IBD.

If you are experiencing rectal bleeding, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.