Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Evaluation in Sugar Land, Texas

Identifying the Source of Rectal or Intestinal Bleeding

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding from the lower small intestine, colon, rectum, or anus. It may appear as bright-red blood, maroon-colored stool, blood clots, or hidden blood detected during testing. Because gastrointestinal bleeding can have causes ranging from hemorrhoids to inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, or colorectal cancer, it should be properly evaluated.

Dr. Gregory L. Shannon is a board-certified gastroenterologist serving patients in Sugar Land, Texas. He provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for lower gastrointestinal bleeding and related digestive conditions. Contact Dr. Shannon’s office for an appointment today!

What is Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) refers to hemorrhage or bleeding that occurs in the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract - the lower small intestine, large intestine, rectum, or anus - as the result of an injury, inflammation, or condition. The occurrence of lower gastrointestinal bleeding is about half of that for upper GI bleeding. Older patients and men are more likely to be affected from severe LGIB.

Patients with LGIB clinically present with either acute or chronic bleeding. Acute bleeding can be severe and sudden, while chronic bleeding may last over a period of several days or longer and may cause less obvious symptoms.

Causes of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Some common causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding include:

• Anal fissure: Tear in the muscular ring that forms the anal sphincter
• Hemorrhoids (Piles): Enlargement of veins in the rectum or anus that rupture causing rectal bleeding
• Proctitis: Inflammation of the rectal lining that can result in bleeding
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease - inflammation of the digestive tract lining, and ulcerative colitis - inflammation and sores in the rectum and colon resulting in bleeding
• Diverticular disease: This includes diverticulosis in which a large number of small pouches, known as diverticula, develop in the lining of the large intestine, and diverticulitis - inflammation and infection of the diverticula
• Colonic polyps: Polyps are abnormal growths at the inner lining of any region of the colon or rectum.

Signs and Symptoms of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Signs and symptoms of lower gastrointestinal bleeding may include:

• Bright red blood/clots in the stools
• Black tarry stools
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Anemia
• Shortness of breath
• Abnormal paleness
• Weakness or exhaustion
• Dizziness and faintness
• Fluctuation in vital signs

Risk Factors for Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Some of the risk factors for developing lower gastrointestinal bleeding may include:

• Chronic constipation
• Family history of bleeding disorders
• Advanced age
• Overuse of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Activities that may cause rectal tears such as anal sex
• Chronic liver disease or history of alcohol abuse
• Previous GI surgery
• Previous pelvic/abdominal radiation

Diagnosis of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Some of the techniques employed for the diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding include:

• A review of your medical history, symptoms, and physical examination
• A stool sample test to check for the presence of blood in the stools
• A complete blood count (CBC) test to check for signs of anemia
• Colonoscopy - an endoscopic procedure used to view the large intestine (colon and rectum) using an instrument called a colonoscope (a flexible tube with a small camera and lens attached at one end). The procedure can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths.
• Imaging tests such as barium x-rays and CT angiograms to diagnose GI tract abnormalities such as ulcers and polyps, as well as for examination and identification of the source of the bleeding.
• A digital rectal examination (DRE) in which your doctor inserts a gloved finger into your rectum to look for signs of hemorrhoids. Your doctor may also use an anoscope, sigmoidoscope, or a proctoscope to check for internal piles.

Treatment for Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Several factors, such as the location and cause of the bleeding, and severity of the condition will determine the method of treatment for a lower gastrointestinal bleed. The treatment also involves identifying any underlying condition and treating it appropriately. In general, the treatment options may include:

• Healthy lifestyle habits such as increasing fiber intake in the diet, drinking more water, and taking stool softeners can help in preventing the formation of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
• Refraining from using certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that may cause stomach ulcers or bleeding
• Targeted heat treatment through a probe or laser to treat the bleeding site and surrounding tissue
• Use of clips to seal the damaged blood vessel causing bleeding
• Use of colonoscopy, CT scan, or angiogram to identify the source of bleeding in conditions such as diverticular bleeding
• Use of medication such as immunosuppressants, antibiotics, and NSAIDs to treat conditions such as colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Surgical intervention as a final option, if your physician feels no other treatment methods can stop the bleeding. Surgery may include a polypectomy to surgically remove the protruding polyps in the lining of the intestine and rectum, hemorrhoidectomy to surgically remove swollen or inflamed veins around the rectum or anus, and colectomy or colon resection, which involves surgical removal of the damaged section of the intestine causing the bleeding.

Why Choose Dr. Gregory L. Shannon for Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

Comprehensive Care for Intestinal and Rectal Bleeding

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding may develop from hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular disease, inflammation, vascular abnormalities, colon polyps, or other colorectal conditions. Dr. Gregory L. Shannon provides individualized gastroenterology care to identify the potential source and determine an appropriate course of treatment.

His approach begins with assessing the color, amount, duration, and frequency of the bleeding. He also reviews accompanying symptoms, medications, medical history, and risk factors before recommending laboratory tests, imaging, or an endoscopic examination.

Patients Can Expect:

• Care tailored to acute, recurring, or hidden gastrointestinal bleeding
• Evaluation of rectal bleeding and changes in stool color
• Review of medications and conditions that may increase bleeding risk
• Blood tests to check for anemia when appropriate
• Colonoscopy or other diagnostic testing when medically indicated
• Endoscopic treatment of selected bleeding sources when appropriate
• Personalized care based on the identified cause
• Clear guidance about when emergency treatment is necessary

Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding – FAQs

What does lower gastrointestinal bleeding look like?

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding may appear as bright-red blood on toilet paper, red blood coating or mixed with the stool, maroon-colored stool, or blood clots. Slow bleeding may not be visible and may instead be detected through stool testing or blood work showing anemia.

What are the common causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding?

Common causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, proctitis, vascular abnormalities, and colon polyps. Colorectal cancer is another possible cause that must be considered, particularly when bleeding is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Does bright-red blood always mean hemorrhoids?

No. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of bright-red rectal bleeding, but fissures, inflammation, diverticular disease, polyps, and colorectal cancer can cause similar bleeding. New, recurring, or unexplained rectal bleeding should be properly evaluated rather than assumed to be caused by hemorrhoids.

Can lower gastrointestinal bleeding cause anemia?

Yes. Slow or recurring blood loss can reduce the number of healthy red blood cells and lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat.

How is lower gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosed?

Diagnosis generally begins with a review of symptoms, medications, and medical history, followed by a physical examination. Testing may include a complete blood count, stool analysis, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, CT angiography, or other imaging based on the severity and suspected source of bleeding.

Will I need a colonoscopy for rectal bleeding?

Not every patient with rectal bleeding requires a colonoscopy, but the procedure may be recommended based on age, symptoms, risk factors, medical history, or examination findings. A colonoscopy can help identify inflammation, diverticular disease, polyps, tumors, and other possible bleeding sources.

Can medications cause gastrointestinal bleeding?

Yes. NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may increase the risk of gastrointestinal injury or bleeding. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines can also increase bleeding risk. Do not discontinue a prescribed medication without guidance from the prescribing healthcare professional.

How is lower gastrointestinal bleeding treated?

Treatment depends on the cause, location, and severity of the bleeding. Options may include medication, dietary changes, management of constipation, endoscopic treatment, angiographic procedures, or surgery. Significant blood loss may also require intravenous fluids, iron treatment, or a blood transfusion.

When is lower gastrointestinal bleeding an emergency?

Seek immediate emergency care for heavy or continuous bleeding, large blood clots, black or maroon stools, severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or marked weakness. These symptoms may indicate significant blood loss and should not wait for an office appointment.

Take the Next Step in Your Digestive Health

Evaluation, Diagnosis & Personalized Gastroenterology Care

If you notice recurring rectal bleeding, blood in your stool, unexplained anemia, or a persistent change in bowel habits, Dr. Shannon can provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized care plan. Contact his office in Sugar Land, Texas, for an appointment today. For heavy bleeding or symptoms of significant blood loss, seek emergency medical care immediately.