Lower gastrointestinal bleeding can occur due to injury, ulceration, or inflammation. In many cases, lower digestive system bleeding stops on its own. However, severe, continuous, or recurrent bleeding can cause serious complications. This article discusses lower digestive system bleeding, its symptoms, causes, treatments, risk factors, and potential complications.
What is Lower gastrointestinal bleeding?
Lower digestive system bleeding occurs when any of the following bleed:
- Small intestine
- Large intestine, or colon
- Rectum
- Anal opening
Lower digestive system bleeding can be acute or chronic. Acute bleeding can be sudden and severe, while chronic bleeding lasts for an extended period.
Symptoms of Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Lower digestive system bleeding can cause several noticeable symptoms, including:
- Red blood drops or clots in the stool
- Cramps or abdominal pain
- Fainting and dizziness
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Unusual pallor
- Shortness of breath
This differs from upper digestive system bleeding, which is more likely to cause black stools, vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material, or sudden severe bleeding.
People with acute lower digestive system bleeding may also experience symptoms related to severe blood loss, including:
- Rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Cold hands and feet
Causes of Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Some common causes of lower digestive system bleeding include:
Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures
Hemorrhoids are inflamed and swollen veins around the anal opening or in the lower rectum. They may develop under the skin or inside the rectum.
Anal fissures, on the other hand, are tears or cuts that extend into the anal canal.
Both hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common and can be treated by:
- Increasing fiber intake in the diet
- Staying hydrated and drinking water
- Taking stool softeners
- Using wet wipes or cotton instead of dry toilet paper to reduce irritation
- Sitting in a warm water bath
- Using hemorrhoid creams
Blood Clotting Disorders
Blood clotting disorders cause problems in blood clotting, leading to excessive bleeding. This can result in lower digestive system bleeding. Symptoms may include:
- Bruising
- Excessive bleeding from minor injuries
- Frequent nosebleeds that are challenging to stop
- Blood in stools or urine
- Anemia
Some hormonal medications can increase blood clotting factors, while iron supplements can help prevent anemia.
Colon Pockets (Diverticula)
Diverticula are small pouches that form in the colon lining and protrude outward through weak areas in the colon wall.
Sometimes, the blood vessels in these pouches can be affected, increasing the likelihood of bleeding.
Diverticular bleeding is different from inflammation. It is rare for diverticula to cause inflammation along with bleeding.
To treat diverticular bleeding, doctors locate the bleeding site using colonoscopy, angiography, or CT scans. If bleeding can’t be stopped, some people may require removal of the affected part of the colon.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to inflammation in the large intestine. It can occur due to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, causing inflammation in the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.
IBD can lead to lower digestive system bleeding. The treatment approach includes surgery to remove abnormal growth, and in some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary before or after surgery, depending on the severity and spread of cancer.
Benign Tumors
Benign tumors are small growths in the lining of the colon and rectum. Benign tumors are non-cancerous, although some may become cancerous over time.
Surgical removal of benign tumors may be recommended to reduce the risk of later cancer development.
Colorectal Cancer
Cancer occurs when cells begin to grow and divide abnormally, often forming masses known as tumors. In most cases, doctors treat colorectal cancer by surgically removing abnormal growth and, if necessary, nearby lymph nodes. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be required before or after surgery, depending on the cancer’s severity and spread.
Complications of Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Severe or untreated lower digestive system bleeding can cause complications, including:
- Anemia
- Shortness of breath
- Heart attack
- Death
Best Doctor for Treating Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is the best doctor for treating Lower gastrointestinal bleeding. He is a consultant in hepatology, gastroenterology, and endoscopy, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in the UK, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is currently a lecturer in general internal medicine, liver diseases, and gastroenterology at Al-Azhar Faculty of Medicine in Cairo.
Dr. Mohamed El-Barawy actively participates in numerous local and international scientific conferences and has many published scientific research papers in prestigious medical journals.
Book your appointment now if you would like to consult Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding the causes, symptoms, latest diagnostic methods, and treatment of Lower gastrointestinal bleeding.