If you are experiencing rectal bleeding, you might not want to talk about it, but you should. Rectal bleeding can be a minor problem like hemorrhoids, or it can be a sign of a major medical issue like colorectal cancer. Our gastroenterologist Dr. Vikram Jayanty in Houston, TX can help if you are experiencing rectal bleeding.

Causes of Rectal Bleeding

There are several conditions that can cause rectal bleeding. These are some of the most common causes:

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Ulcers
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Rectal  cancer which is increasingly diagnosed among younger people under 45

How Our Gastroenterologist Can Help

Our gastroenterologist will determine what is causing your rectal bleeding and may recommend a diagnostic procedure like a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is performed while you are sedated. Our gastroenterologist will insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera on one end into your rectum and guide it up through your colon. The camera allows our doctor to view your lower digestive system, including your ileum. 

Treatments for Rectal Bleeding

Treatment for rectal bleeding will depend on what is causing the rectal bleeding. For example:

If you have hemorrhoids, our doctor may recommend hemorrhoid banding, a procedure to cut off blood flow to the hemorrhoid, so the hemorrhoid dries up.

If you have inflammatory bowel disease or ulcers, our doctor may recommend medication, dietary changes, stress management, and other lifestyle changes.

Colorectal cancer is often asymptomatic but could be accompanied by signs and symptoms in addition to rectal bleeding. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal pain and cramping in your abdomen
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dark stools or a change in stool consistency

If you have colorectal cancer, our doctor can discuss treatment options with you, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments.

What You Need to Do

If you are experiencing rectal bleeding, don't wait. You need to seek out the expertise of our gastroenterologist. To find out more about the causes and treatments for rectal bleeding, call Dr. Vikram Jayanty in Houston, TX. You can reach him in the office by calling (713) 932-9200, so call today.