Bleeding from
the rectum, blood in faeces, pain
Symptoms of Bleeding from the
rectum, blood in faeces, pain could be due to:
Cirrhosis of
the Liver
Symptoms
and indications: There are various symptoms,
which include loss of appetite and weight, digestive
upset, weariness, enlargement of liver, Anaemia,
dark urine, Jaundice, haemorrhage and blood in the
stools. Also, bruising, fine, red spidery veins
in the skin, fluid retention, bloating (oedema)
and red hands. In addition, the spleen enlarges
and there may be baldness and breast enlargement
in men. Eventually, there may be collapse, coma
and death from liver failure. A person with any
symptoms of liver disease should seek medical advice.
Treatment:
The progress of the disease can be halted if the
cause is known, although nothing can be done to
repair the damage to the liver that has already
taken place. Excess consumption of alcohol is the
most common cause of cirrhosis of the liver. Therefore,
if this is the cause, no more alcohol should be
consumed. The affected person should eat a diet
that is high in protein and carbohydrates but low
in fat and salt. Iron, vitamins, (B and K) and mineral
supplements may also be necessary. A person should
be able to lead a normal life as long as the progress
of the disease is halted.
Persons most
commonly affected: Adults of both sexes
and all age groups, but more common in men.
Constipation
Symptoms
and indications: Infrequent opening of
the bowels and the faeces passed are hard, dry,
very dark and small. There may be bleeding, straining
and pain, swelling of the abdomen due to retained
faeces and a feeling of bloatedness. A person who
suffers with persistent constipation should seek
medical advice as this may be a symptom of an underlying
condition.
Treatment:
Involves making changes to your lifestyle, including
eating more roughage such as fruit, raw vegetables,
wholemeal bread and bran, drinking at least 8 glasses
of water a day and taking more exercise. Laxatives
and enemas may also be needed to relieve the condition.
Persons most
commonly affected: All age groups and
both sexes.
Haemorrhoids (or
Piles)
Symptoms
and indications: Symptoms include bleeding,
pain and itching, and the distended vein, may be
felt as a lump. Bleeding is generally slight but
can occasionally be more persistent and cause anaemia.
A person with haemorrhoids should seek medical advice.
Treatment:
Creams, injections and suppositories. Taking regular
exercise and watching your diet. It is important
to a healthy diet containing plenty of fibre and
to drink water to avoid constipation. In severe
cases it may be necessary to have the haemorrhoids
surgically removed.
Persons most
commonly affected: Adults in middle and
older age of both sexes.
Stomach Ulcer
(gastric and Peptic Ulcer)
Symptoms
and indications: Symptoms may be quite
vague or more definite and vary in their severity.
They include pain felt either at the front or in
the back, which may be more severe before a meal.
Also, there may be nausea and a feeling of bloatedness
after meals. Sometimes, instead of pain there is
discomfort felt as a feeling of emptiness or hunger
or of an aching nature. A person with symptoms of
gastric unlcer should seek medical advice.
Treatment:
Diagnostic techniques include endoscopy, analysis
of gastric secretions and X-ray studies using barium.
Treatment is by means of a number of different drugs
including antacids, carbenoxolone and histamine
and others. Most gastric ulcers respond fairly well
to treatment, although there is a tendency for healing
and relapse to occur. A person should eat a light
diet and irritant foods or drinks should be avoided.
These include spicy foods containing pepper, fatty
foods, coffee and alcohol. The person should avoid
smoking and stress.
Persons most
commonly affected: Adults of both sexes
in middle or older age, especially men.
Other problems that could cause
Symptoms of Bleeding from the rectum,
blood in faeces, pain can include: Anal fissure,
colitis, dysentery, gastric erosion, hepatoma, Polyarteritis
nodosa, rectal adscess, rectal tumour, small intestine
tumour, stomach cancer, thrombocytopaenia and others.