Heliopolis Clinic
Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday · 7–9 pm
Book Heliopolis +201039274004Colorectal patient guide
Rectal bleeding: when should it be assessed?
Rectal bleeding is common and may come from haemorrhoids or an anal fissure, but it can also occur with inflammation, polyps or colorectal cancer. The colour and amount of blood alone cannot confirm the cause.
What information helps the assessment?
- Whether the blood is bright red, dark or mixed with stool
- Pain, constipation, diarrhoea or a persistent change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue or iron-deficiency anaemia
- Family history of bowel polyps or colorectal cancer
- Use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines
When should you seek urgent care?
- Heavy or continuing bleeding
- Dizziness, fainting, marked weakness or shortness of breath
- Black, tarry stool
- Severe abdominal pain, swelling, vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas
How might it be investigated?
Assessment may include examination, blood tests and, depending on age, symptoms and risk factors, endoscopy or colonoscopy. Do not assume that bleeding is caused by haemorrhoids without assessment when it persists, recurs or is accompanied by warning signs.
Choose a clinic
Abbassia Clinic
Monday & Thursday · 6–8 pm; Tuesday · 5–7 pm
Book Abbassia +201023295212