Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Red Discharge With Diarrhea From The Rectum?
Posted on
Thu, 23 Nov 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 23 Nov 2017
Answered on
Thu, 26 Apr 2018
Last reviewed on
Question : i have a steady light flow of a red sustance coming from my rectum. i had diarea this afternoon. no falls no pain.
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This is likely blood. Blood can sometimes be associated diarrhea especially if there is a bacterial infection though can occur otherwise as well.
Other causes of rectal bleeding besides infection are--(1) diverticulitis which is infection/inflammation of the diverticula (out pockets in the colon)
(2)side effect of medication- the use of medications to stop clotting can sometimes cause excess bleeding eg aspirin, warfarin
(3)mass- can be benign or malignant , in the colon
(4) inflammatory bowel disease- crohns disease, ulcerative colitis
It would be best to be seen by your doctor. This should entail an abdominal examination, pr examination. A stool sample may need to be sent to a lab.
If you did not have a recent colonoscopy (within the last 5 years), then one may be suggested based on examination findings
Specific treatment would depend on the cause but general treatment consists of--(1) holding off solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms. Restart with small amounts of dry foods
(2)using fluid and electrolytes to replace what was loss- eg oral rehydration packets or dilute sport drinks
(3)probiotics would help if an infection is present
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This is likely blood. Blood can sometimes be associated diarrhea especially if there is a bacterial infection though can occur otherwise as well.
Other causes of rectal bleeding besides infection are--(1) diverticulitis which is infection/inflammation of the diverticula (out pockets in the colon)
(2)side effect of medication- the use of medications to stop clotting can sometimes cause excess bleeding eg aspirin, warfarin
(3)mass- can be benign or malignant , in the colon
(4) inflammatory bowel disease- crohns disease, ulcerative colitis
It would be best to be seen by your doctor. This should entail an abdominal examination, pr examination. A stool sample may need to be sent to a lab.
If you did not have a recent colonoscopy (within the last 5 years), then one may be suggested based on examination findings
Specific treatment would depend on the cause but general treatment consists of--(1) holding off solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms. Restart with small amounts of dry foods
(2)using fluid and electrolytes to replace what was loss- eg oral rehydration packets or dilute sport drinks
(3)probiotics would help if an infection is present
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
