Rectal inflammation and bleeding can be caused by varicose veins, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, fistulas, fissures, polyps or prolapse. If bleeding is bright red it is likely coming from the lower part of the bowel or rectum. Rectal prolapse and polyps are causes of bleeding in older people. Smokers are at greater risk, as are those who eat a diet high in processed foods. Polyps are growths in the bowel that are most associated with cancer.
Varicose Veins Become Hemorrhoids
Distended blood vessels made worse by chronic constipation, pregnancy, lack of exercise and poor circulation can break, bleed, and protrude from the rectum. External hemorrhoids are often felt as bumps. Internal hemorrhoids are more likely to bleed, and will produce bright red blood. Pain, itching, swelling, and pressure are all symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Natural hemorrhoid treatment consists of applying astrigent solutions such as witch hazel or comfrey soaks or herbal sitz baths. A raw potato can be chopped and applied to soothe and shrink hemorrhoids. Doing Kegel exercises, which for men means tightening and releasing the anal sphincter, will improve circulation. For women, tightening the pelvic floor muscles is a bonus. Drinking more fluids, eating more fiber, and eliminating processed and junk foods from the diet will resolve constipation, a factor in hemorrhoid formation and diverticulosis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Takes Many Forms
Diverticulosis is the formation of intestinal pouches or pockets. It is associated with a low fiber diet and chronic constipation. Infection of the pockets results in a painful condition known as diverticulitis. It is one of a few inflammatory bowel diseases that can cause rectal bleeding.
Colitis is the wearing away of the rectal and colon wall until ulceration causes pain and bleeding. When limited to the rectum, it is called proctitis. Abdominal pain, cramps, and a change in toilet habits such as urgency are characteristic of colitis. There are probably many reasons for colitis symptoms, one of them is gluten intolerance, or celiac disease. Eliminating all sources of gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, should reverse the condition. Others have had good results with natural colitis treatment by switching to a vegan raw food diet.
Fistulas and Growths can Bleed
Fissures are tears in the intestinal mucosa that can be the cause of bleeding. Fistulas are abnormal channels that can become infected and bleed. While surgical repair of fistulas is sometimes necessary, changes in diet and lifestyle can often allow healing to take place.
Colonoscopy is an examination of the lower intestines done routinely for people over age 50 to look for polyps that can become cancerous. They sometimes become irritated and bleed. Polyps can be removed; early detection saves lives by stopping cancer when it is still treatable. Not all polyps become cancer. A diet high in fiber supplemented by probiotic organisms found in yogurt and other fermented foods is thought to hep prevent the most common forms of bowel cancer.
Bleeding May be Caused by Prolapse
Older people, particularly women, may feel a bulge through the rectum when they wipe. This is most likely due to a prolapse of the intestinal wall due constipation, straining, and childbirth practices. Bleeding from a rectal prolapse may occur and it can be repaired surgically.
The cause of rectal bleeding may be external or internal hemorrhoids, ulcerated or overstretched tissues, mucosal tears or abnormal channels or polyps. Medical tests can determine the exact cause. Lifestyle adjustments, including a healthy diet, more fluids, cessation of smoking and exercise can remedy many bowel disorders.
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