Bloody (not the curse) aptly signifies bleeding in the intestine. Bright red drops of blood flow on the legs and in the toilet bowl. Red blood seeps from the surface of the chair. Toilet paper can be stained with scarlet blood. Our hearts can alarm. What’s happening?
There is no reason to be overly alarmed because the bleeding (technical term for bleeding) can be the result of one of 6 probable reasons. As annoying as they are to our daily lives, most of the 6 causes are not serious and can be treated if they are properly addressed. Nevertheless, complacency is not wise. Watch carefully. If the bleeding continues for more than a week and is accompanied by pain, see a doctor immediately.
The correct diagnosis determines the exact cause, so that correct treatment can be given to solve the problem. Even more alarming is that bleeding from the gut can be the result of some form of cancer.
Melena or Hematchentia
Rectal bleeding is medically referred to as melena (tarry or sticky stool with black color) or hematochsia (blood with brown or bright red color). Called rectal because the bleeding leaves the body through the rectum, the 6 causes are proctitis, anorectal fistulas, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.
Proctitis
Proctitis is medically listed in the IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) group, which includes the small intestine and the large intestine or colon. Inflammation in itself is a positive physical reaction to heal injured tissue. Inflammation is a double-edged sword that triggers healing of injured tissue, but causes tissue weakening if it is not hindered. Ulcers cause proctitis in the rectum by eroding the lining.
Among other symptoms, bleeding from the bowel is common. Eliminating proctitis as the cause of rectal bleeding is important because the rectum can perforate at an advanced stage.
Anorectal fistulas
An anorectal fistula is a passage that crosses between two or more unconnected internal organs. It can continue until it reaches the surface of the neighboring skin. Anorectal fissure has its opening on the anal surface. The release of urine and stool through this fistula is not uncommon.
The main causes of anorectal fistulas are inflammatory bowel diseases, especially Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis. In addition to the infection pus, bleeding from the intestine is also one of the symptoms.
Fistulas need to be diagnosed accurately as they can be caused by peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal wall), which can be life-threatening. Surgery and antibiotic therapy are common treatments after tracking the entire fistula.
Anal fissures
Crack or tear, it means the same thing. Excessive exercise during constipation usually leads to anal fissures, a tear around the opening of the anus. Trouble-free bowel movements depend on whether the muscles of the outer and inner anal sphincter are in a relaxed state. The tears can get worse because they cause the inner sphincter to tear in seizures. This creates a dangerous cycle that causes additional pain and bleeding in the intestine.
A diet change to reduce constipation with medication (lidocaine or hydrocortisone) can relieve pain, inflammation, and harmful cramps.
Rectal prolapse
The old disease, the oldest rectal prolapse, dates from 1500 BC. This disease mainly affects older women and is characterized by the fact that the rectum is visibly hanging out of the anus. Weakened muscles, including the muscles of the outer and inner sphincters, and ligaments do not hold the rectum in place.
Constant constipation, persistent diarrhea, severe descent of the pelvic floor and heavy bowel movements are common symptoms. Often the only solution is surgery.
Internal and external hemorrhoids
Despite the violent narrative above, it can be an ironic relief that the most common reason for bleeding from the intestine is hemorrhoids, both internal and external.