If you notice blood in your stool, it could be a sign of a concerning condition. Bloody stools are a symptom of various conditions.
Some causes of bloody stools, such as hemorrhoids, may not require treatment. However, other conditions, such as colorectal cancer, require immediate treatment.
Meanwhile, other causes of bloody stools may include ulcers, anal fissures, and inflammatory bowel disease. A doctor can help diagnose the cause of bloody stools, which has the medical name hematochezia.
Causes of Bloody Stools
There are various causes of bloody stools, or hematochezia. These can range from common and mild conditions to more severe and rare conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Sometimes other symptoms can provide clues to the possible cause. Meanwhile, common causes of bloody stools include:
1. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are a condition characterized by swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus. This condition is very common and the most common cause of bloody stools.
This condition is generally not serious. Hemorrhoids are usually associated with straining or pressure, such as during pregnancy, lifting heavy objects, or straining to defecate.
2. Anal fissure
This condition occurs when there is a tear in the lining of the anal canal. Like hemorrhoids, anal fissures often occur after straining to have a bowel movement.
Although it can heal on its own, sometimes anal fissures require treatment to heal.
3. Inflammatory bowel disease
This condition causes chronic (ongoing) inflammation in the lining of the intestines, both the small intestine and the large intestine.
Meanwhile, Crohn’s disease typically affects the small intestine, while ulcerative colitis typically affects the large intestine. Inflammatory bowel disease, on the other hand, can cause chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea, and in severe cases, bleeding.
4. Diverticulitis
This condition occurs in the large intestine, usually at the lower end near the rectum. Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the inner lining of the colon (diverticula) become infected and inflamed.
Inflammation in the diverticula can make the blood vessels within them more fragile and more likely to rupture. If this happens, it can cause acute rectal bleeding.
5. Infectious colitis
Some bacterial infections, such as E. coli and C. diff , can cause hemorrhagic colitis, or bleeding from the colon. This condition usually presents as bloody diarrhea.
You’ll know if it’s an infection, and often it clears up on its own.
6. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Certain common STIs can cause inflammation and bleeding in the anal lining. Examples include gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.
Herpes causes sores that can bleed, while human papillomavirus (HPV) causes anal warts that may bleed a little.
Most STIs require specific treatment to cure, so it’s important to get a diagnosis promptly.
7. Gastric ulcer disease
This condition occurs when stomach acid erodes the protective lining, or creates an open wound.
Ulcers can cause burning or gnawing stomach pain, and may bleed causing bloody stools.
8. Colon polyps and colorectal cancer
Polyps are a common condition, and if they become larger, they can bleed. Sometimes they turn into cancer, and cancerous polyps are more likely to bleed than others.
Risk Factors for Bloody Stools
Constipation and straining too hard to have a bowel movement can cause rectal bleeding.
Straining can cause conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which may bleed. Furthermore, very hard stools can tear the skin inside the anus, causing bleeding.
Symptoms of Bloody Stools
When you have bloody stools, it can usually manifest in a few different ways. You might notice bright red streaks in the stool, or you might see blood clots or blood and mucus mixed in with the stool.
Stool usually looks dark, black, and tarry. The color of the blood you see may indicate its origin:
- Bright red blood in the stool usually means the bleeding is in the colon, rectum, or anus.
- Dark red or maroon blood means you are experiencing bleeding in your large intestine or small intestine.
- Melena (black stool) often indicates bleeding in the stomach, such as a bleeding stomach ulcer. For more information about black stool, read this article: 8 Things You Need to Know If Your Stool is Black .
Sometimes, rectal bleeding is not visible to the naked eye and can only be seen through a microscope.
You may find this type of blood in your stool if you perform a laboratory test on a stool sample called a fecal occult blood test. This test is a screening test for colorectal cancer .
Diagnosis of Bloody Stools
Here are some tests to diagnose bloody stools:
- Digital rectal examination,to physically examine the rectum and anus.
- Examination of the anal canal using a small telescope with a magnifying glass.
- Examination of the rectum and anus using a short, rigid scope.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy. An examination using a longer scope to look into the lower colon.
- Rectal culture swab, to identify infection.
- Stool test.A doctor can examine a stool sample for evidence of active bleeding, occult blood, or inflammation. This method can also identify certain infections.
- An examination of the entire large intestine using a colonoscope, a lighted camera at the end of a long tube. This type of exam is also commonly used to screen for colon cancer.
- Upper endoscopy.Doctors may recommend an upper endoscopy if they suspect upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. This is because the endoscope can pass through the throat into the stomach and duodenum.
Treatment for Bloody Stools
The best treatment depends on the cause and source of the bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. If bloody stools are caused by an ulcer , infection, or inflammation, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Meanwhile, if cancer is present, the doctor will recommend appropriate treatment, depending on the stage and other factors. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to prevent further bleeding.
Doctors may use an endoscopy or colonoscopy to treat bloody stools. The procedure may involve:
- Injecting medication to stop bleeding.
- Burning the source of bleeding using a heat probe, electric current, or laser.
- Closing the affected blood vessel using a clip.
To treat bloody stools, you can use 3 medications for bloody stools based on the cause .
Prevention of Bloody Stools
The best way to prevent bloody stools is to prevent the underlying cause. For example, to prevent hemorrhoids, it’s important to keep your stools soft so they’re easy to pass.
To keep stools soft, drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber. Go to the toilet immediately when you feel the urge to defecate and avoid straining during bowel movements. Also, limit the amount of time you sit on the toilet.
Meanwhile, you can prevent anal fissures by avoiding rectal irritation and wiping the area with soft tissues, a damp cloth, or cotton wool. Avoid using rough or scented toilet paper.
People at high risk for colorectal cancer should undergo regular screenings, especially colonoscopies. Colorectal cancer screening can detect precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, allowing them to be removed before they turn into cancer.
Screening procedures can also identify colorectal cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
Complications of Bloody Stools
Bloody stools in people under 40 years of age rarely require medical attention.
However, if the bleeding continues or is heavy, it can lead to shock, a life-threatening condition where the body does not receive enough blood flow.
If left untreated, bloody stools can potentially cause organ damage. You should seek medical attention if you experience rectal bleeding and any of the following signs of shock:
- Breathing feels fast and shallow.
- Blurred vision.
- The skin looks pale.
- The amount of urine is small.
Untreated polyps in the colon or rectum that cause bleeding can lead to colorectal cancer.
When to See a Doctor?
If you notice blood in your stool along with other worrying symptoms, don’t delay and contact a doctor at Halodoc. ✔️ This way, the doctor can immediately perform the appropriate examination and treatment.
Reference:
Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 2023. Rectal Bleeding.
WebMD. Accessed 2023. Blood in Stool.
Medical News Today. Accessed 2023. What does it mean when there is blood in the stool?
Everyday Health. Accessed 2023. What Is Rectal Bleeding? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention.
