About Rectal Bleeding and Alcoholism

Rectal bleeding occurs when blood passes through the anus, which is located just above the rectum. It can be caused by many different reasons, some of which are harmless and some of which are quite serious. Although it's not one of the most common causes, there is some connection between rectal bleeding and alcoholism. Consequently, anyone who uses alcohol should understand the effect it can have on rectal bleeding.

Features

The main connection between rectal bleeding and alcoholism actually stems from the connection between alcohol and peptic ulcers. Drinking alcohol can contribute to peptic ulcers which can cause rectal bleeding. Peptic ulcers are open sores on the lining of the upper small intestines, stomach or esophagus. The ulcers sometimes bleed, and when they do it can show up as black, tarry stools or dark blood in the stool.

Identification

The most frequent symptom of peptic ulcers is burning pain. 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. More severe symptoms of peptic ulcers, although less common, include vomiting blood, nausea, chest pain, unexplained weight loss and dark blood in stools or black, tarry stools.

Significance

Alcohol irritates and eats away at the mucous lining of the stomach, causing an increased amount of stomach acid to be produced. This contributes to the development of peptic ulcers. However, it is not clear whether too much alcohol is a lone cause of peptic ulcers or if other factors must also be present for the sores to develop. Other contributing factors are believed to be medications and the H. pylori bacteria.

Considerations

In the past it was usually assumed that peptic ulcers developed as a result of lifestyle. Heavy use of alcohol, stress and a poor diet were thought to be some of the main causes of the ulcers. However, experts now believe that most peptic ulcers are caused by medications or bacterial infections. It should be noted the peptic ulcers in general are uncommon and can normally be treated successfully in a matter of weeks.

Warning

Heavy use of alcohol also increases the chances of developing colorectal cancer, another cause of rectal bleeding. This cancer is very serious. As with most cancers, early detection is a major key to successful treatment and recovery. Consequently, any rectal bleeding should immediately be investigated to determine its origin.