Rectal Bleeding: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of rectal bleeding?

Rectal bleeding is a symptom of a disease originating in the digestive tract. A number of different conditions can cause bleeding. Many causes of bleeding are related to conditions that can be cured or controlled, such as ulcers or hemorrhoids. Some causes of bleeding may be life threatening.

Symptoms of rectal bleeding

You may experience rectal bleeding symptoms daily or just once in a while. Symptoms that may occur with rectal bleeding include:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood-streaked stools
• Bloody stool (blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture)
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Lump or mass in the rectum or anus
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Unintentional weight loss

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, rectal bleeding can be life threatening. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have rectal bleeding along with any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
• Dizziness
• Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
• Weakness (loss of strength)