Causes of GI Bleeding
GI bleeding can be caused by disorders at any location within the GI tract. The location of the bleeding can help identify the cause of the issue.
Anal Bleeding
In some cases, noticeable GI bleeding occurs in the anal area. This is typically related to mild conditions, such as:
Anal Fissures
An anal fissure is a crack or split in the tissues of the anal canal. These tears can lead to acute pain and bleeding that can be seen on stools or toilet paper. Most anal fissures heal within a few weeks and don’t require treatment. You can ask your doctor for a prescription cream to reduce pain. If an anal fissure doesn’t heal on its own, you should see a doctor to discuss treatment options [4].
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus: Also called piles, they can cause pain, anal itching, and rectal bleeding. You can use over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments to ease symptoms. Eating a diet rich in fiber can help ease constipation and reduce the irritation of hemorrhoids. In severe cases, a medical procedure is required to remove hemorrhoids [5].
Bleeding in the GI Tract
There are other types of GI bleeding that occur further up the GI tract. Many GI bleeds are centered in the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. These conditions can cause blood in the stool, which may or may not be noticeable to the naked eye. These conditions include:
Colitis
Also known as ulcerative colitis (UC), this is a type of inflammatory bowel disease similar to Crohn’s Disease. UC is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the colon. It usually cycles between periods of symptom flare-ups followed by periods without symptoms. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloody stool, abdominal cramping, and weight loss. You may need stool sample testing or imaging tests to diagnose UC. Treatments may include medication or surgery [6].
Colon Polyps
Colon polyps are abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum. They can be flat, raised, or stalk-like. They are usually benign, though some can develop into cancer. They may not cause any symptoms, but they can result in bleeding or changes to bowel habits. They can be detected with stool sample testing or colonoscopies. During a colonoscopy, your doctor can remove the polyps, which prevents the risk of them becoming cancerous in the future [7].
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is cancerous growths anywhere in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer usually begins as a polyp that becomes malignant over time. Symptoms may include pain, changes to bowel habits, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss. Colorectal cancer can be detected with stool testing, such as at-home colon cancer test kits, or with a colonoscopy. Treatment includes surgery and chemotherapy [8].
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is when small pouches or bubble-like formations develop inside the wall of the colon. It’s common and usually related to aging. The changes to the colon usually don’t cause any problems, but they can cause bleeding. Eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water for easier bowel movements can reduce the risk of bleeding.9 Occasionally, the pouches can develop an infection called diverticulitis. This may require treatment with antibiotics, a short-term liquid diet, or surgery. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis can be detected with stool sample testing and an imaging test, such as a CT scan or colonoscopy [9].
Ulcers
Ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the digestive tract or rectum. They can develop as a side effect of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, and constipation. Rectal ulcers can lead to blood in the stool, rectal pain, or painful bowel movements. Your doctor can identify a rectal ulcer using imaging tests, such as a colonoscopy. Many rectal ulcers improve with a high-fiber diet to reduce constipation. Treating underlying conditions can also alleviate ulcer symptoms [10].
Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation in the soft mucous lining of your stomach. It can be an acute condition due to an infection or something you ingested. It can also be chronic, in which case it may be related to another health condition. Gastritis can lead to ulcers, or sores, that bleed. Your doctor will need to do imaging tests, such as an endoscopy, to diagnose gastritis. You may be able to manage chronic gastritis with diet changes. Gastritis due to infection may require antibiotics [11].
Angiodysplasia
This is an abnormal swelling of blood vessels in the large intestine. The blood vessels become fragile and susceptible to bleeding. The condition is usually age-related. Doctors can detect angiodysplasia with stool sample testing, blood tests, and imaging tests. Doctors can treat the condition with angiography to close the blood vessel that is bleeding or by cauterizing the site of the bleeding. In rare cases, surgery is required to remove the affected section of the colon [12].
Diagnose Your GI Disorder Today
Don't let an undiagnosed disorder wreak havoc on your system. Diagnox Health is empowering you to take charge of your health with at-home test kits. With our new, easy-to-use Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), you can identify hidden blood in your stool and begin diagnosing your GI disorder.
If you have blood in your stool, talk to your doctor about the tests you need to diagnose the cause of bleeding and determine the best course of treatment.
