Rectal Problems: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have rectal bleeding without a bowel movement?

See the significance of rectal bleeding without a bowel movement if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had a large amount rectal bleeding, but you do not have signs of shock?

Yes

Have you had a moderate amount of rectal bleeding more than 1 time?

Yes

Have you had rectal bleeding with any other symptoms, such as bleeding gums or easy bruising?

Yes

Do you have rectal bleeding and a fever?

Yes

Do you think your rectal bleeding is caused by abuse?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had a moderate amount of rectal bleeding?

Yes

Have you had a small amount of rectal bleeding several times in the past 24 hours?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had a small amount of rectal bleeding more than 1 time?

Yes

Have you had ongoing rectal bleeding that has been checked by your doctor, but the bleeding is not getting better or is getting worse?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	May 22, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer