Blood in stool, also known as rectal bleeding or GI bleeding, means the appearance of blood in bowel movements. Depending on where the bleeding originates, the blood may be visible as bright red or make the stool appear tar-like. This symptom can indicate anything from diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, or colon cancer.
Blood in stool is also known as bloody stool, rectal bleeding, and GI bleeding. It is a common symptom of various gastrointestinal issues. Occasional traces and minor rectal bleeding may indicate minor causes like constipation, and anal fissure.
Persistent or significant blood in the stool often signals serious GI conditions such as hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), peptic ulcer disease, and colon cancer. In such cases, prompt medical evaluation, like a rectal examination, is required.
Our gastroenterologists typically consider the following possible causes of blood in stool:
No, blood in stool can be caused by various conditions, many of which are not cancerous. Examples include hemorrhoids, anal fissure, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroenteritis, and other problems in the GI tract.
Other causes include diverticulitis, infectious colitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), peptic ulcer, and colon polyps. It is very important to get it checked by a doctor to rule out serious causes.
If you notice blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention right away. While mild rectal bleeding may not be serious, large amounts of blood require immediate medical attention.
Yes, constipation and straining to poop can cause rectal bleeding. When you strain, it can cause conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissure. Very hard stool may tear the skin inside your anus, causing bleeding. Getting checked and treating your possible causes can prevent this from happening.
Healthcare providers can evaluate rectal bleeding or blood in stool in several ways to determine the cause. They might start by asking questions about the circumstances surrounding your rectal bleeding or the blood in your stool.
That is why your answers to these questions can help your provider determine which medical tests to follow up with. Diagnosis often involves a physical examination, a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, and sometimes imaging studies.
You should seek medical attention if you notice persistent or significant bleeding, dark, tarry stools, large blood clots in your stool. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, or abdominal pain.
Yes, the color of the blood can indicate its source:
In most cases, a minimal blood loss during bowel movement is harmless. However, you should see a healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of your bleeding. You should consult your physician right away if you are facing excessive bleeding.
Depending on the cause, your bleeding may stop on its own. If it stops and doesn’t come back, it probably won’t need further treatment. However, it would be best if you always kept an eye on blood in your stool. Notice if it happens more than once, or if you have other symptoms.
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