Is Rectal Bleeding Caused By Hemorrhoid A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Thu, 29 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 Answered on

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : When do I need to worry about rectal bleeding caused by an external hemorrhoid?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Needs clinical evaluation and investigations as mentioned.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
To recapitulate: Female/73 - small external hemorrhoid - bright red blood in bathroom twice today - wants to know when to worry about about rectal bleeding ...
Since you are 73 and there is bleeding per rectum, it is worrisome now.
It is a must to know the exact cause of bleeding and to take appropriate treatment.
I would advise you the following:
- To get a clinical evaluation and per-rectal digital examination with ano-proctoscopy to see whether it is the hemorrhoids that is causing bleeding or something else. To know the exact extent of the hemorrhoids - the number and grading.
Prolapsing bleeding hemorrhoids be treated by Surgery or as advised by your Surgeon.
- Colonoscopy and CT scan of the abdomen if thought necessary by your Surgeon.
- Tests of blood,urine and stool.

I hope this answer helps you find the exact cause and get a proper treatment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar