Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding or hematochezia is a common symptom for those suffering from IBS-C, a type of IBS with frequent constipation. It’s difficult to pass stool because it’s hard and compacted. If someone with IBS struggles to defecate, they can cause undue stress to their rectal area. Passing a hard stool can cause tiny tears in the rectal area due to fecal impaction. In addition, the increased pressure on the intestinal and rectal lining can lead to such injury.
While rectal bleeding can be considered severe, the condition is treatable. People with IBS are more susceptible to rectal bleeding because of the various gastrointestinal disorders that accompany the condition. Those with IBS can prevent rectal bleeding by drinking more water and decreasing the strain when defecating. They can also avoid rectal bleeding by refraining from sitting on the toilet for a long time and increasing their intake of fiber-rich foods such as prunes and other vegetables and fruits. Taking warm baths and scrubbing the area around the anus will also help manage and treat the condition. Laxatives and stool softeners can help prevent hematochezia.
