Rectal bleeding is defined by MayoClinic.com as any bleeding that occurs from the lower colon to the rectum, the last part of the large intestine. Rectal bleeding is made apparent when blood is visible in the stool or on toilet paper. Blood associated with rectal bleeding ranges in color from black to bright red, depending on the area of the intestine from which the blood originates. Rectal bleeding may be a sign of a serious condition so a doctor should always be contacted.
Colon Polyps
A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that form on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are benign, but in some cases, a polyp can develop into colon cancer. Colon polyps form as a result of uncontrolled cell growth, just like tumors. Gene mutations are responsible for this uncontrolled cell growth, but it is unknown what causes the genes to mutate. Small colon polyps usually do not cause symptoms, but symptoms of larger colon polyps include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, constipation, diarrhea, narrow stools, pain and bowel obstruction, according to MayoClinic.com. Colon polyps are usually removed when found. The most common removal options include a snare, which is a wire loop that cuts the polyp off during a colonoscopy, or laparoscopic surgery, which consists of removing polyps through small abdominal incisions.
Anal Fissures
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus or the anal canal, which is the opening that allows stool to come out of the body. Anal fissures can result from constant straining due to chronic constipation, diarrhea, anal sex, inflammatory bowel diseases or trauma to the anal area, according to Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms of an anal fissure include pain during a bowel movement, rectal bleeding, burning, itching, discomfort while urinating and unpleasant odor. The goal of treatment is to reduce pressure on the anus and allow the tear to heal. A combination of stool softeners, increased fluid intake, high fiber diet and lubricating the anus with petroleum jelly can help to accomplish this. In very severe cases, surgery may be needed.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease belongs to a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel diseases and is characterized by the chronic inflammation of an area of the digestive tract. The most commonly affected area is the intestines, but the inflammation can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, which runs from the mouth to the anus, according to MedlinePlus. The exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, but it is believed to result from an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain passing a stool, diarrhea, unintentional weight loss, joint pain and diarrhea. Crohn's disease is treated with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes such as eating small meals throughout the day, avoiding too much fiber and increased fluid intake. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the damaged part of the intestine.
