What Are the Causes of Painless Rectal Bleeding?
Bowel movement is a normal physiological phenomenon. However, blood in the stool, which indicates the presence of blood in the feces, suggests different levels of damage to the body. Painless hematochezia generally refers to the discharge of blood from the anus or with the feces, often presenting as bright red, brown, dark red, and so on. Hematochezia should be taken seriously as it can progress to bloody mucus or even black blood if not treated promptly, leading to worsened conditions and significant difficulties in treatment.
1. Internal hemorrhoids: Most cases of painless hematochezia are caused by internal hemorrhoids, with blood appearing bright red and adhering to the surface of the feces rather than mixing with it. Bleeding may also occur before or after bowel movements, with severe cases presenting as jet-like bleeding, often occurring during constipation.
2. Anal fissures: Blood may adhere to the surface of the feces or stain toilet paper. The amount of bleeding is usually small. However, if bleeding is excessive, the blood may accumulate in the intestinal cavity and appear dark red or contain blood clots when excreted. This condition is often accompanied by severe pain.
3. Intestinal polyps: The blood appears bright red, painless, and does not mix with the feces.
4. Ulcerative colitis: Bleeding is mixed with mucus or presents as bloody mucus, accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, and frequent bowel movements.
5. Malignant changes in the rectum: In the early stages, most malignant changes in the rectum manifest as painless hematochezia with red or bright red blood. As the condition progresses to the middle and late stages, the blood often appears dark red and is accompanied by persistent, chronic mucus-containing bloody stool that is mixed with the feces. This may also be accompanied by bloody mucus mixed with feces, blood clots, and necrotic tissue.
Warm tip: The above is a detailed introduction to the main causes of painless hematochezia. It is hoped that this information will be helpful to you. Hematochezia is a relatively common phenomenon. While benign cases may not be serious, hematochezia caused by malignant diseases can potentially be life-threatening. It is recommended that individuals with such symptoms seek medical attention and undergo examination.