Results

Cause of your symptoms

Your rectal bleeding is probably from normal veins just inside your back passage and your abdominal pain or discomfort and change in bowel habit may have been caused by something you have eaten.

Advice

Try the treatments outlined below for two weeks but if your symptoms do not settle quickly or stop you sleeping or working see your GP

Treatments

Eat a simple diet and if necessary take antispasmodic tablets for your abdominal pain or discomfort. It is normal to strain a little when passing a motion but too much can cause bleeding. A pharmacist can advise on suitable treatments.

What now?

If you get better nothing further needs to be done. However, if your symptoms persist for two more weeks or recur after stopping treatment see your GP.

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You are less than 50 years old and have abdominal pain or discomfort associated with weight loss and or a reduction in appetite, rectal bleeding without pile symptoms and a non-specific change in bowel habit.

Additional information if you see your GP

People who persistently eat less to avoid their abdominal pain and or lose a significant amount of weight may have a partial bowel blockage which requires prompt investigation in hospital.