Results

Cause of your symptoms

Your rectal bleeding is probably from piles and your change in bowel habit could be the after-effects of a mild gut infection.

Advice

Try the simple treatments outlined below for two weeks.

Treatments

Eat less roughage and if necessary take bowel sedatives to reduce the number of times you go to the toilet. Try careful cleaning around your bottom for your pile symptoms and if necessary use creams and suppositories. A pharmacist can advise on suitable treatments.

What now?

If you get better nothing else needs to be done but if your symptoms persist for two more weeks or come back after stopping treatment, see your GP.

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You are over 50 years old and have rectal bleeding with a change in bowel habit to going more often with looser stools and no abdominal pain

Additional information if you see your GP

Patients who have this pattern of symptoms, persistent and unremitting for more than 6 weeks merit for referral to a 2-week clinic.