Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Treatment in Katy, TX
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding that originates from the lower portion of the digestive tract, including the colon, rectum, or anus. The bleeding may appear as bright red blood, dark red or maroon stool, or, in some cases, darker stools. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our gastroenterology team evaluates lower GI bleeding to help identify its underlying cause and determine an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding can result from conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, or other gastrointestinal disorders. If you notice blood in your stool, especially if the bleeding is persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by abdominal pain, weakness, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, a gastroenterologist in Katy, TX can evaluate your condition and determine whether further testing is needed.
What is Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding?
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) refers to hemorrhage or bleeding that occurs in the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract - the lower small intestine, large intestine, rectum, or anus - as the result of an injury, inflammation, or condition. The occurrence of lower gastrointestinal bleeding is about half of that for upper GI bleeding. Older patients and men are more likely to be affected from severe LGIB.
Patients with LGIB clinically present with either acute or chronic bleeding. Acute bleeding can be severe and sudden, while chronic bleeding may last over a period of several days or longer and may cause less obvious symptoms.
Causes of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Some common causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding include:
- Anal fissure: Tear in the muscular ring that forms the anal sphincter
- Hemorrhoids (Piles): Enlargement of veins in the rectum or anus that rupture causing rectal bleeding
- Proctitis: Inflammation of the rectal lining that can result in bleeding
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease - inflammation of the digestive tract lining, and ulcerative colitis - inflammation and sores in the rectum and colon resulting in bleeding
- Diverticular disease: This includes diverticulosis in which a large number of small pouches, known as diverticula, develop in the lining of the large intestine, and diverticulitis - inflammation and infection of the diverticula
- Colonic polyps: Polyps are abnormal growths at the inner lining of any region of the colon or rectum.
Signs and Symptoms of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Signs and symptoms of lower gastrointestinal bleeding may include:
- Bright red blood/clots in the stools
- Black tarry stools
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Anemia
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal paleness
- Weakness or exhaustion
- Dizziness and faintness
- Fluctuation in vital signs
Risk Factors for Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Some of the risk factors for developing lower gastrointestinal bleeding may include:
- Chronic constipation
- Family history of bleeding disorders
- Advanced age
- Overuse of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Activities that may cause rectal tears such as anal sex
- Chronic liver disease or history of alcohol abuse
- Previous GI surgery
- Previous pelvic/abdominal radiation
Diagnosis of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Some of the techniques employed for the diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding include:
- A review of your medical history, symptoms, and physical examination
- A stool sample test to check for the presence of blood in the stools
- A complete blood count (CBC) test to check for signs of anemia
- Colonoscopy - an endoscopic procedure used to view the large intestine (colon and rectum) using an instrument called a colonoscope (a flexible tube with a small camera and lens attached at one end). The procedure can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths.
- Imaging tests such as barium x-rays and CT angiograms to diagnose GI tract abnormalities such as ulcers and polyps, as well as for examination and identification of the source of the bleeding.
- A digital rectal examination (DRE) in which your doctor inserts a gloved finger into your rectum to look for signs of hemorrhoids. Your doctor may also use an anoscope, sigmoidoscope, or a proctoscope to check for internal piles.
Treatment for Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Several factors, such as the location and cause of the bleeding, and severity of the condition will determine the method of treatment for a lower gastrointestinal bleed. The treatment also involves identifying any underlying condition and treating it appropriately. In general, the treatment options may include:
- Healthy lifestyle habits such as increasing fiber intake in the diet, drinking more water, and taking stool softeners can help in preventing the formation of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
- Refraining from using certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that may cause stomach ulcers or bleeding
- Targeted heat treatment through a probe or laser to treat the bleeding site and surrounding tissue
- Use of clips to seal the damaged blood vessel causing bleeding
- Use of colonoscopy, CT scan, or angiogram to identify the source of bleeding in conditions such as diverticular bleeding
- Use of medication such as immunosuppressants, antibiotics, and NSAIDs to treat conditions such as colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Surgical intervention as a final option, if your physician feels no other treatment methods can stop the bleeding. Surgery may include a polypectomy to surgically remove the protruding polyps in the lining of the intestine and rectum, hemorrhoidectomy to surgically remove swollen or inflamed veins around the rectum or anus, and colectomy or colon resection, which involves surgical removal of the damaged section of the intestine causing the bleeding.
Why Choose Katy Integrative Gastroenterology for Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Katy, TX?
Choosing a gastroenterology practice for the evaluation of lower gastrointestinal bleeding involves more than finding a convenient location. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our team provides personalized digestive care focused on identifying the potential cause of your symptoms.
We take the time to review your symptoms, medical history, medications, bowel habits, and individual risk factors. Depending on your symptoms and clinical findings, your evaluation may include laboratory testing, stool testing, physical examination, colonoscopy, or other diagnostic procedures when appropriate.
Our practice also takes an integrative approach to digestive health, incorporating gastroenterology, nutrition, and functional medicine when appropriate. Treatment recommendations are based on the underlying cause and severity of the bleeding and may include dietary and lifestyle measures, medications, endoscopic treatment, or referral for additional care when medically necessary.
Patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities can access comprehensive gastroenterology care for lower gastrointestinal bleeding and other digestive concerns.
Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding FAQs
What causes lower gastrointestinal bleeding?
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding can have several causes, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, proctitis, gastrointestinal polyps, and other conditions affecting the colon or rectum. Identifying the cause requires an evaluation based on your symptoms and medical history.
What does lower gastrointestinal bleeding look like?
Lower GI bleeding may appear as bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet, blood mixed with stool, or dark red or maroon stool. The appearance of bleeding can vary depending on where the bleeding originates and how quickly it passes through the digestive tract.
When should I see a gastroenterologist for lower gastrointestinal bleeding?
Any unexplained or recurrent blood in your stool should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Prompt evaluation is particularly important when bleeding occurs with abdominal pain, weakness, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, significant fatigue, or other concerning symptoms.
How is lower gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosed?
Your gastroenterologist may review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination. Depending on your individual situation, testing may include a complete blood count, stool testing, colonoscopy, anoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT angiography, or other diagnostic studies to help identify the source of bleeding.
Can a colonoscopy find the source of lower GI bleeding?
Yes. A colonoscopy allows a gastroenterologist to directly examine the lining of the colon and rectum for potential sources of bleeding, including polyps, inflammation, diverticular disease, and other abnormalities. When appropriate, certain bleeding sources may also be treated during the procedure.
How is lower gastrointestinal bleeding treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the bleeding. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, endoscopic techniques such as clips or other methods to control bleeding, or surgery in more serious or persistent cases.
Schedule a Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Evaluation in Katy, TX
If you have noticed blood in your stool or are experiencing symptoms that may indicate lower gastrointestinal bleeding, Katy Integrative Gastroenterology can help evaluate your condition and determine whether further diagnostic testing is needed. Identifying the underlying cause is an important step toward appropriate treatment.
Our gastroenterology team provides personalized digestive care for patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about evaluation for lower gastrointestinal bleeding in Katy, TX.
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