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What are the symptoms of rectal bleeding?

Signs and symptoms of rectal bleeding can include: fresh (bright red) blood appearing in the toilet pan, on toilet paper or underwear; darker, stickier blood that may be plum-colored or tarry in appearance; profuse bleeding with or without pain, and; itching and irritation around your anus. If you have rectal bleeding alongside any of the following, your doctor may arrange urgent further investigation or referral to a specialist: black sticky stools (melena); you are over 40 years of age and your bowels have been looser for at least six weeks; you are over 60 years of age and have bleeding for at least six weeks; you have anemia (which can be from long-term bleeding); you have a family history of colon cancer; your doctor found a lump or abnormality after examining you; you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease; you feel dizzy, have breathing problems or suddenly feel weak; you vomit up what looks like black coffee grinds or blood, and; you have severe abdominal pain.

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About this article

Author: Karen McCloskey BHSc
First answered: 22 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Votes: 1383 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Hemorrhoids

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