When rectal bleeding is present with one or more of the following symptoms, call your doctor:
Fever
Stomach pain or swelling
Nausea or vomiting
Bleeding continues or worsens
Recent weight loss
Altered bowel habits
Severe or prolonged diarrhea
Pencil-sized stools, involuntary seepage of stools, or inability to have a bowel movement
If any of these signs and symptoms are present, a visit to the hospital's emergency department is warranted:
Black or maroon stools
Large volume blood loss
Rectal pain
Dizziness , weakness, or fainting spells
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Difficulty breathing
If minimal rectal bleeding, such as blood-streaked toilet tissue, is the source of the problem, it may be due to hemorrhoids or a rectal fissure. Home therapy can be attempted. All other causes of rectal bleeding should be evaluated and treated by a physician in a timely fashion.
Self-care of rectal bleeding may include various rectal ointments and suppositories. These can be bought over-the-counter without a prescription. Still, if your symptoms are not improved within 1 week of treatment or you are older than 40 years, you should see your doctor for further evaluation.
Simple home care of rectal bleeding might involve these actions:
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 or foods such as prunes.
Avoid sitting on the toilet too long.
Apply ice packs to the affected area to decrease pain.