Rectal Bleeding
If you are suffering from rectal bleeding in Oviedo, FL, you may feel that you need to see a gastroenterologist. Dr. Ian Martinez of Gastroenterology Services specializes in just the sort of examinations that you require.
Blood Color
Having rectal bleeding can be very upsetting. It is important to know where the bleeding is coming from. The color of the blood gives your doctor a hint.
- Bright red usually means it originated in the lower colon or rectum
- Dark red or maroon color, meaning the blood comes from higher in the colon or the small bowel
- Black or dark stool can mean that the bleeding is in the stomach
But some rectal bleeding is not visible with the naked eye. It can only be detected through testing. Your gastroenterologist can test for rectal bleeding in Oviedo, FL.
Causes of Rectal Bleeding
Many different conditions can cause rectal bleeding. Some are serious, others not so much.
Hemorrhoids- Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding. Swollen veins in the anus or rectum can be the result of chronic constipation or straining when you have a bowel movement.
Anal Fissure- An anal fissure is a tear in the skin around the anus. When you have a stool that is having a hard time passing, it can tear the skin. You may have a burning feeling when you have a bowel movement.
Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis- Diverticuli are small pouches that occur in your intestines. If the pouches protrude through the wall of the intestine, they can become infected and cause bleeding.
IBS- Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation can lead to rectal bleeding due to the size and texture of the fecal matter being passed. If it is large amounts of blood, it may be something else.
Colon Cancer- Colon cancer is one of the most serious reasons for rectal bleeding and the third most common cancer in the US. Most colon cancer develops from polyps in the colon which are usually detected with a colonoscopy.
Polyps-Polyps are shaped like a mushroom and grow on the lining of the colon. Large ones can bleed.
IBD/Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis- Inflammatory Bowel Disease is two different conditions; Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. With Crohn's Disease, the swelling can be anywhere in the digestive tract; with Ulcerative Colitis it is mostly in the large bowel.
Ulcers-Ulcers are sores that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract from the stomach to the colon. These sores can bleed, causing bleeding from the rectum.
If you are suffering from rectal bleeding in Oviedo, FL, Dr. Martinez of Gastroenterology Services can help figure out what is causing your rectal bleeding and recommend treatment. Call the office for an appointment at (407) 478-0882.