Hematochezia
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| Hematochezia | |
|---|---|
| File:Hämatochezie Dezember 2021.jpg | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Passage of fresh blood through the anus, usually in or with stools |
| Complications | Anemia, hypovolemic shock |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Varies depending on cause |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Diverticulosis, colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, inflammatory bowel disease |
| Risks | Age, diet, family history of gastrointestinal conditions |
| Diagnosis | Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, stool test |
| Differential diagnosis | Melena, upper gastrointestinal bleeding |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Depends on underlying cause; may include endoscopic therapy, surgery, or medication |
| Medication | Proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, iron supplements |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | Rare, unless associated with severe underlying condition |
Hematochezia is a medical term that refers to the passage of fresh blood through the anus, usually in or with stools. This is in contrast to melena, which is the passage of old, tarry black, digested blood. Hematochezia is commonly associated with lower gastrointestinal bleeding, but may also occur from a brisk upper gastrointestinal bleed.
Causes[edit]
The causes of hematochezia are numerous and varied. They include:
- Diverticular disease
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Angiodysplasia
- Ischemic colitis
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of hematochezia is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. This may include:
- Colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Upper endoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of hematochezia depends on the underlying cause. This may include:
See also[edit]
References[edit]
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