Lower GI Bleeding: Causes, Signs, and What to Do Next
When you see blood in your stool or notice it on the toilet paper, it’s natural to panic. But lower GI bleeding, bleeding from the colon, rectum, or anus. Also known as gastrointestinal bleeding, it’s a common reason people visit the ER—but often not as serious as it looks. Unlike upper GI bleeding (which comes from the stomach or esophagus), lower GI bleeding starts below the ligament of Treitz, meaning it’s coming from your colon, rectum, or anus. It’s not one condition—it’s a symptom of many, from harmless hemorrhoids to serious issues like diverticulosis or colon cancer.
Many people assume all rectal bleeding means cancer, but that’s not true. In fact, hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the rectum or anus are the most common cause, especially in people over 50. Diverticulosis, small pouches that form in the colon wall is another big one—these pouches can bleed suddenly and heavily, then stop on their own. Then there’s inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s, which causes chronic inflammation and bleeding. And yes, colon cancer can show up this way too, which is why even minor or one-time bleeding needs attention.
The color of the blood tells you a lot. Bright red usually means the bleed is closer to the anus—think hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Darker red or maroon blood suggests the bleed is higher up in the colon. If your stool looks black and tarry, that’s upper GI bleeding, not lower. But don’t rely on color alone. If you’re dizzy, weak, or having trouble breathing along with the bleeding, that’s a red flag. You might be losing blood fast enough to need emergency care.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of scary diagnoses. It’s practical, real-world advice from people who’ve been there. You’ll learn how to tell if your bleeding is an emergency or something you can manage with your doctor. You’ll see how medications like blood thinners can make bleeding worse, and why some people need to avoid certain painkillers. You’ll get tips on what to track before your appointment—like how often it happens, how much blood, and whether you have pain or changes in bowel habits. These aren’t theory articles. They’re written by people who know what matters when your body sends you a warning signal.
Lower GI Bleeding: What You Need to Know About Diverticula and Angiodysplasia
Lower GI bleeding is often caused by diverticula or angiodysplasia, especially in older adults. Learn how these conditions differ, how doctors diagnose them, and what treatments actually work.
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