Rectal bleeding can be non-threatening but may also lead to a critical condition. It can result from distinctive conditions such as ulcers, polyps, hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, and other gastrointestinal problems. The blood color that can be seen in the stool may vary from bright red to dark and tarry. Few symptoms that are associated with it comprise dizziness, abdominal pain and swelling.
When you notice blood after bowel elimination, it is suggested to immediately identify its possible cause. Treatment for bloody stool varies depending on the cause and severity of bleeding. Distinguishing the cause allows you to settle on the steps you need to take for its treatment.
The first and most necessary action that you need to do upon seeing blood in your stool is to consult a physician. Only medical professionals can determine the appropriate tests or laboratory exams you need to undergo. Physical assessment will be done initially to determine the extent and source of rectal bleeding. Aside from examining the stool physically, it also involves assessing the abdomen for tenderness.
If the cause isn't still determined through physical assessment, you will be asked to undergo diagnostic tests, which are the following: angiography, blood studies, barium studies, colonoscopy, stool culture, upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and other series of abdominal x-ray.
A bloody stool caused by polyps requires surgery to remove them. Massive blood loss, on the other hand, can lead to a distinctive low blood pressure and unconsciousness. This entails hospital admission and emergency treatment which includes blood transfusion, oxygen, and intravenous therapy.
Mild or minimal blood in stool caused by hemorrhoids or small anal fissures can be treated at home. Home remedies include rectal ointment, suppositories, and cream. These remedies help in relieving the symptoms associated with rectal bleeding. However, avoid prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs as they can give off an unpleasant effect, bleeding in particular, on the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This provokes, instead of mending, the blood in the stool.
Several home care measures on bloody stool can also be pursued to alleviate the bleeding:
Wash the skin around the anal area. Take a bath daily and clean your body well. Cleansing the skin around the anal area prevents bacteria from accumulating, thus keeps you away from infection. Cleanliness and proper hygiene always offer a healthier living.
Have the right kind of diet. Eat foods that are high in fiber to keep you from straining during bowel movement. Prevent from eating those that are highly acidic such as citrus fruits and tomatoes. Also, avoid processed foods, alcohol and caffeine.
Increase oral fluid intake. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day to hydrate the body and prevent constipation. Just like in eating high fiber foods, increasing fluid intake permits the digestive system to move regularly and work smoothly.
Exercise regularly. Avoid sitting for long hours. Occurrence of hemorrhoids is most commonly due to physical inactivity.
Prevent from straining during bowel movements. When you strain during bowel elimination, the excretion of feces is forced. Thus it creates a tear or burning sensation in the anal area.
Apply ice packs on the affected area. This cools the affected skin, helping to alleviate the pain you feel.
During the course of treatment, diligently follow your physician's orders. Take the drugs prescribed by the doctor on time. Do self-monitoring of your condition and see whether the bleeding has turned to minimal or not. If your condition didn't improve after a week of treatment, then you must come back and see your doctor for a follow-up check up. The physician can prescribe you stronger drug or perform a procedure.
Any stressful health condition must have immediate care taken into action. Once the rectal bleeding has been properly diagnosed, apt treatment can be done and extensive complications would definitely be prevented.
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