Don’t ignore rectal bleeding!

I hate to discuss this, but it’s important.  Kinda’ embarrassing.  Rectal bleeding.  Yep, many times it’s the hemorrhoids acting up again, especially if there’s itching, burning and/or something “sticking out.”  In these cases its appropriate to give the Preparation H a trial for a week or two and see what happens.  However, don’t fool yourself.  I’ve seen a number of patients who’ve delayed coming in, convincing themselves they have case of the “rhoids”, when in fact they had something more serious…                                                                                                                                                                                          Bleeding that isn’t accompanied by burning, itching and/or a painful bump, or that which is but doesn’t respond promptly to hemorrhoidal treatment, needs a thorough medical examination.  A sigmoidoscopy, such as that done in our office, or the longer colonoscopy, is often recommended to rule out more serious causes, including colon cancer, polyps, ulcers due to inflammatory bowel disease and bleeding from diverticular pockets…Richard R. Samuel, MD     Family Practice and Urgent Care