Is Your Rectal Bleeding Just Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo delves into the common yet often misunderstood issue of rectal bleeding. Rectal bleeding is a frequent cause for visits to healthcare providers and can affect individuals of any age. Dr. Gandolfo uses a real patient case to highlight the importance of understanding and evaluating rectal bleeding, emphasizing the need for proper testing and diagnosis.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Understanding rectal bleeding and its prevalence across different age groups.
• The importance of distinguishing between different types of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as melena and hematochezia.
• Common causes of rectal bleeding, including hemorrhoids and more serious conditions like rectal cancer.
• Evaluating the symptoms and risk factors associated with rectal bleeding.
• Diagnostic tools and procedures, including endoscopy, colonoscopy, and capsule endoscopy.
• The significance of not attributing rectal bleeding to hemorrhoids without proper investigation.
• The importance of routine screenings, especially for individuals over the age of 45.

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