"irritated" colon - causing bleeding?

Hi, I just signed up and the main gastro ask page has already reached its daily limit - at 7:15 a.m.?  Anyway, I have had rectal bleeding for about 5 months now, usually with a bowel movement but sometimes even without.  Dripping into the bowl, not just on toilet paper.  Had a colonoscopy last month and the doc found no polyps, no hemorrhoids, just said it was caused by "irritation."  Does in irritated colon (colitis?) cause bleeding?  What else would irritate the colon and what could I do about it?  Symptoms have continued after the colonoscopy.  Thank you.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi Mary1960,
I would like to know your age to consider the various possibities for the cause of your bleeding per rectum.

Regarding the tests-
1. You can undergo colonoscopy again
2. If the repeat colonoscopy is also negative, enteroscopy or capsule endoscopy may be tried as bleeding can be from a higher up lesion
3. Scintigraphy/ angiography may be done to locate the bleeding spot.

Colitis cause both bleeding and mucus in stools.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[boobs75]

A related discussion, cure for irritated colon was started.