How to stop bleeding from anus

Bleeding from the anus is not a normal thing and if it happens you should be worried and seek help or find a solution as fast as you can. And in a medical term, it's called "Rectal bleeding".

The rectum is the last section of the large intestine, ending right before the anus. Rectal bleeding can be minor, serious, or even life-threatening; it's important to check for it since it could suggest that something is wrong elsewhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Treatment of rectal bleeding depends upon the source and cause of the bleeding.

What is rectal bleeding?

The term rectal bleeding is used by doctors to mean any blood that is passed out of your bottom when you go to the toilet to pass stools (faeces). However, not all bleeding that is passed out actually comes from the back passage (rectum). The blood can come from anywhere in the gut. The more correct term is gastrointestinal tract bleeding, often abbreviated to GI bleeding. There are many causes of rectal bleeding (GI bleeding) which you will find out shortly.

What causes rectal bleeding?

1. Hemorrhoids.
It’s normal for everyone to have hemorrhoids inside and outside of the anus. But there are several reasons they may become irritated. If you notice blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet, the factors that may point to hemorrhoids include:
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Low-fiber diet.
- Heavy lifting.
- Hard stools.

2. Anal fissures.
If there are tears in the tissue of the anus, then you may experience both rectal bleeding and pain during and after a bowel movement. Typical causes of anal fissures include:
- Chronic constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Straining.

3. Anal intercourse.
Diverticulosis. When tiny pockets, or diverticula, form in the lining of the bowel, you have diverticulosis. Pressure on weak spots in the intestinal wall may cause these tiny pockets to form.

4. Colon cancer.
In a very small number of cases, rectal bleeding is a sign of colon cancer. You also may notice other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss or pain in your abdomen.

How to stop bleeding from anus

If minor rectal bleeding is the cause of the problem, such as blood-streaked toilet paper, it might be hemorrhoids or a rectal fissure. It is possible to try home treatment. All other causes of rectal bleeding should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible by a physician.

Rectal bleeding can be treated at home using a variety of ointments and suppositories. These over-the-counter medications are available without a prescription. If the person's symptoms do not improve after one week of medication or if he or she is over 40 years old, he or she should see a doctor for a more thorough examination.

The following are some simple home remedies for rectal bleeding:

• Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.
• Bathe or shower daily to cleanse the skin around the anus.
• Decrease straining with bowel movements.
• Increase fiber in the diet with supplements such as Metamucil, Benefiber, or foods such as prunes.
• Avoid sitting on the toilet too long.
• Apply ice packs to the affected area to decrease pain.
• Take a sitz bath. This is a warm water bath with water just deep enough to cover the hips and buttocks, and can help relieve some symptoms of itching, pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, as that contributes to dehydration, which is one cause of constipation.

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