Rectal Bleeding (cont.)

When to Seek Medical Care

When rectal bleeding is present with one or more of the following symptoms, call your doctor:

• Fever

• Stomach pain or swelling

• Nausea or vomiting

• Bleeding continues or worsens

• Recent weight loss

• Altered bowel habits

• Severe or prolonged diarrhea

• Pencil-sized stools, involuntary seepage of stools, or inability to have a bowel movement

If any of these signs and symptoms are present, a visit to the hospital's emergency department is warranted:

• Black or maroon stools

• Large volume blood loss

• Rectal pain

• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting spells

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Difficulty breathing

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