What is hematocheza?

Hematochezia refers to the passage of fresh, red blood per rectum. It is a medical condition characterized by the presence of bright red or maroon-colored blood in the stool. The term "hemato-" means blood, while "-chezia" refers to defecation. Hematochezia is different from melena, which involves the passage of dark, tarry stools due to the presence of older, digested blood.

Hematochezia is often associated with lower gastrointestinal bleeding, which can have various causes. Some common causes of hematochezia include:

1. Anal Fissures: These are small tears or cracks in the anal canal, often caused by constipation or passing large, hard stools. They can lead to鮮紅的血便.

2. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen and enlarged veins in the anus and lower rectum. Straining during a bowel movement can cause hemorrhoids to bleed, resulting in hematochezia.

3. Diverticular Disease: Diverticula are small pouches that can form in the colon. When these pouches become inflamed or infected (diverticulitis), they can bleed and cause hematochezia.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can cause inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum, leading to hematochezia.

5. Colorectal Cancer: Cancerous growths in the colon or rectum can cause bleeding into the stool, resulting in hematochezia.

6. Other Causes: Hematochezia can also occur due to certain infections (e.g., gastroenteritis), ischemic colitis (inadequate blood supply to the colon), angiodysplasia (abnormal blood vessel formations in the colon), or trauma.

It's important to note that hematochezia can be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition, so it's essential to seek prompt medical attention if you experience鮮紅的血便. Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, stool analysis, colonoscopy, or other diagnostic tests, to determine the cause of the bleeding and provide appropriate treatment.