Results

Cause of your symptoms

Your rectal bleeding is probably from piles caused by constipation and the abdominal pain is likely to be due to bowel spasm

Advice

Try the treatments outlined below for four weeks but if your abdominal pain prevents any of your activities including working or sleeping see your GP.

Treatments

Eat more roughage and if necessary take a laxative to make your stools softer and easier to pass. It is normal to strain a little when passing a motion but too much can cause bleeding. Try careful cleaning around your bottom for your pile symptoms and if necessary use creams and suppositories. Your abdominal pain may respond to anti-spasmodic tablets. A pharmacist can advise on suitable treatments.

What now?

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

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You are under 50 years of age and have rectal bleeding with pile symptoms, constipation and abdominal pain without loss of appetite or weight.

Additional information if you see your GP

Your GP will probably examine your tummy and back passage and do a blood test. If these are normal you are at low risk of having a serious bowel condition and it would be reasonable to advise a further period of treat, watch and wait. However, if your symptoms still do not settle completely or recur after stopping treatment it is likely your GP will refer you to a routine hospital clinic for investigations and local treatments to stop the bleeding.