How to Treat Cramping With Diarrhea and Rectal Bleeding

A number of different medical conditions can cause symptoms of abdominal pain and cramping with rectal bleeding. Diverticulosis, colon polyps or colitis and proctitis (inflammatory bowel disease) are among the most common. Colon cancer is another possibility, making early detection critical. Colitis and proctitis are the result of inflammation of the colon or rectum. These conditions are often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. When the colon becomes inflamed, symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea or rectal bleeding. While rectal bleeding may not necessarily signal a serious problem, the cause should be investigated promptly.

Things You'll Need

• Heating pad

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Report symptoms to your doctor, especially at the first sign of rectal bleeding. Successful treatment depends on diagnosing the cause and location of the bleeding. In addition to taking a past medical history and conducting a physical examination, your doctor may order other studies, such as blood tests, a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy or an angiogram.

• 2

  Discuss with your doctor the medications that are available to treat ulcerative colitis. Medication can help bring on periods of remission when you may experience fewer or no symptoms. Surgery is usually reserved for severe cases of inflammation, or for people who are experiencing serious complications. Types of medications used include anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids or medications that suppress the body’s immune system.

• 3

  Schedule routine checkups with your health-care provider so he can assess any changes in your condition. Your medications will also need to be monitored, especially if you experience side effects. Certain medications increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

• 4

  Apply a heating pad (set on "low") to the abdominal area to relieve the mild pain and cramping associated with diverticulosis. Relax by breathing slowly and deeply. Take acetaminophen for pain relief. If the condition is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic treatment.

• 5

  Eat a healthy diet. Decreasing the amount of fiber or dairy products in your diet may help to lessen the severity of diarrhea. Learning to manage stress is another important factor, as stress can exacerbate the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.