Rectal Bleeding

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• Rectal Bleeding Overview
• Rectal Bleeding Causes
• Rectal Bleeding Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Rectal Bleeding Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related blood in stool articles:
  Blood in stool - on WebMD
  Blood in stool - on MedicineNet

Rectal Bleeding Overview

The rectum is the last portion of the large bowel that ends just before the anus. Bleeding from this area can be a mild or life-threatening matter. Therefore, the presence of bleeding must be carefully checked because it indicates that something is wrong.

• Rectal bleeding is frequently noticed as black, tarry stools, maroon stools, bright red blood on or in the stool, blood on the toilet tissue, or blood staining the toilet bowl water red.

• Rectal bleeding usually develops quickly and is commonly associated with abdominal disorders. Most cases of rectal bleeding will warrant a visit to the physician for a complete evaluation.

• Depending on the source of bleeding (which may be from any part of the gastrointestinal tract), treatment can range from relief of symptoms to antibiotics, blood transfusion, or surgery. Therefore, it is important to locate the source of rectal bleeding so that appropriate treatment can be started and the problem fixed.