Hematochezia
The passage of fresh (red) blood per anus, usually in or with stools. Most rectal bleeding comes from the colon, rectum, or anus.
Also called: Rectal bleeding, Recurrent rectal bleeding.
Conditions associated with hematochezia
The following conditions have been associated with hematochezia in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome 7
Any Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the IFIH1 gene....
Anal Fissure
A small tear in the lining of the anus, usually caused by passing hard stool, causing pain and bleeding....
Colon Cancer
Cancer of the colon or rectum, often developing from polyps, which can cause changes in bowel habits and blood...
Colorectal Cancer
Cancer of the colon or rectum. Screening can detect it early when treatment is most effective....
Congenital factor V deficiency
Congenital factor V deficiency is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Cronkhite-Canada syndrome
Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare gastrointestinal (GI) polyposis syndrome characterized by the associ...
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements....
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome 1
Any Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the HPS1 gene....
Juvenile polyposis syndrome
Juvenile polyposis syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome
Multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated...
Neuroendocrine tumor of anal canal
Neuroendocrine tumor of anal canal is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and sig...
Neuroendocrine tumor of the rectum
Neuroendocrine tumor of the rectum is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and sig...
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by microthrombocytopenia, e...
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Zygomycosis
Zygomycosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
autoinflammation and autoimmunity with immune dysregulation 2
autoinflammation and autoimmunity with immune dysregulation 2 is a medical condition that may be associated wi...
polyglucosan body myopathy 1 with or without immunodeficiency
A rare, genetic, glycogen storage disorder characterized by polyglucosan accumulation in various tissues, mani...
telangiectasia, hereditary hemorrhagic, type 1
telangiectasia, hereditary hemorrhagic, type 1 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symp...
telangiectasia, hereditary hemorrhagic, type 2
Any hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the ACVRL1 gene....
Tests providers may use to investigate hematochezia
When investigating hematochezia, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
Alpha-Fetoprotein Afp Tumor Marker Test
This blood test determines Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP or a-Fetoprotein) levels....
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests
Fast, easy and affordable cancer lab tests that do not require insurance or a doctor's referral. Simply order ...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Fecal Calprotectin
Helps distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome....
Occult Blood Fecal Test
This test, also known as a FIT or iFOBT, detects the presence of occult (hidden) blood in fecal matter....
Ovarian Cancer Blood Test
The Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) test is used to evaluate the blood for CA-125, a cancer tumor marker. CA-125 i...
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside hematochezia
Anal Itching
Itching around the anus, which can be caused by hemorrhoids, skin irritation, or infections....
Anal Pain
Pain around the anus or rectum, which can be caused by hemorrhoids, fissures, or other conditions....
Black Stools
Dark, tarry stools that usually indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract....
Change in Bowel Habits
A persistent change in the frequency or consistency of bowel movements, which should be evaluated....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Anemia caused by low iron levels, which can be a sign of bleeding or poor absorption....
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if hematochezia is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom hematochezia mean?
Hematochezia is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. The passage of fresh (red) blood per anus, usually in or with stools. Most rectal bleeding comes from the colon, rectum, or anus.
Which conditions are associated with hematochezia?
Hematochezia has been reported in association with 21 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome 7, Anal Fissure, Colon Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Congenital factor V deficiency. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about hematochezia?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.