Rectal bleeding, the passing of blood through the anus, can be caused by many different diseases and conditions. Although it isn't one of the most common causes, there is some connection between drinking alcohol and rectal bleeding. For that reason, anyone who consumes alcohol on a regular basis needs to understand the effect it can have on rectal bleeding.
Features
A major connection between alcohol and is actually a result of the connection between alcohol and peptic ulcers. Consumption of alcohol can lead to peptic ulcers which in turn can cause rectal bleeding. Peptic ulcers are open sores on the lining of the upper small intestine, esophagus or stomach. The ulcers may bleed and when they do, it may show up as black, tarry stools or dark blood in the stool.
Identification
Burning pain is the most common symptom of peptic ulcers. The pain occurs when stomach acid comes in contact with the open sores and is usually worse when the stomach is empty. The pain can occur anywhere from the breastbone to the navel and may last only a few minutes or several hours. It may come and go over a period of a few days or weeks. Nighttime flare-ups of pain are also common. Less common but more severe symptoms of peptic ulcers include vomiting blood, nausea, chest pain, unexplained weight loss and dark blood in stools or black, tarry stools.
Significance
Alcohol can aggravate and erode the mucous lining of the stomach. As a result, an increased amount of stomach acid is produced. However, it is not certain whether excessive consumption of alcohol is a lone cause of peptic ulcers or if a combination of factors must be present for the sores to develop. Other contributing factors may include medications and the H. pylori bacteria.
Considerations
For many years the common assumption was that developed as a result of lifestyle. Factors such as excessive consumption of alcohol, stress and diet were considered to be some of the main causes of the ulcers. However, experts now believe that most ulcers are caused by bacterial infections or medications. It should also be noted that peptic ulcers in general are uncommon and can usually be treated successfully in a matter of weeks.
Warning
Excessive use of alcohol also increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer, another cause of rectal bleeding. Because this cancer is very serious, any rectal bleeding should be investigated to determine its origin.
Tags: peptic ulcers, rectal bleeding, connection between, alcohol rectal, alcohol rectal bleeding, between alcohol, black tarry