Rectal Bleeding and Chest Pain: When to Seek Help

Blood in stool, pain near the center of the left chest?

Dear Doctor, I have been experiencing hemorrhoids for the past three months.
Today, when I went to the bathroom, I noticed blood in my stool along with blood clots.
I also have a pain in my left chest area, which feels slightly sharp.
When I visited the emergency room today, I informed the doctor about the pain in my left chest.
However, due to the limitations of emergency equipment compared to regular outpatient services, they were unable to perform a rectal examination.
The doctor assessed my condition as hemorrhoidal bleeding.
I have been using hemorrhoid ointment and taking stool softeners.
I would like to ask the doctor if the pain in my left chest could possibly be due to a ruptured colon or bleeding from a tear? What is the likelihood of intestinal bleeding? Should I seek further evaluation? Thank you.

21 sui nian qing ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/17

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery

I apologize for the late response.
The correlation between hemorrhoidal bleeding and left chest pain is extremely low; they can essentially be considered two unrelated issues.
There are many potential causes for left chest pain, varying in severity, but it is less likely to be due to bowel rupture or bleeding.
I recommend that you visit a surgical outpatient clinic for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2016/03/17

More Info

When it comes to rectal bleeding and chest pain, it is crucial to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical help. Based on your description, you have been experiencing hemorrhoids for the past three months, and you recently noticed blood in your stool, accompanied by blood clots. Additionally, you mentioned experiencing a stabbing pain in your left chest area.
Firstly, it is important to clarify that while hemorrhoids can cause rectal bleeding, the presence of blood clots and the nature of the bleeding should be taken seriously. Hemorrhoids typically lead to bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, but if the bleeding is significant, it may indicate a more serious condition. The blood clots you mentioned could be a result of thrombosed hemorrhoids, which occur when a blood vessel within the hemorrhoid forms a clot, leading to increased pain and bleeding.

Regarding the chest pain, it is essential to consider that while it may not be directly related to your gastrointestinal issues, it should not be ignored. Chest pain can arise from various causes, including musculoskeletal issues, gastrointestinal problems, or even cardiac conditions. The fact that you described the pain as a stabbing sensation near the center of your chest raises some concerns that warrant further investigation.

You asked whether the left chest pain could be related to a ruptured colon or rectal bleeding. While it is unlikely that a ruptured colon would cause pain localized to the left chest, it is not impossible for severe abdominal issues to manifest as referred pain in the chest area. However, a ruptured colon typically presents with severe abdominal pain, distension, and signs of peritonitis, which would likely be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting.

Given your symptoms, it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. Here are some steps you should consider:
1. Follow-Up Appointment: Schedule a follow-up appointment with a gastroenterologist or your primary care physician. They may recommend a colonoscopy to evaluate the source of the rectal bleeding and to rule out any serious conditions such as colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

2. Chest Pain Evaluation: Since you are experiencing chest pain, it is important to have this evaluated as well. A healthcare provider may recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, or other imaging studies to assess your heart and lungs.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the frequency and amount of rectal bleeding, the nature of the chest pain, and any new symptoms that may arise. This information will be helpful for your healthcare provider.

4. Emergency Care: If you experience severe abdominal pain, significant changes in your bowel habits, or if the chest pain worsens or is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating, seek emergency medical care immediately.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to hemorrhoids, the combination of rectal bleeding and chest pain necessitates a thorough evaluation to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

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