Stool Blood: Common Causes And Treatment
Although blood in the stool (rectal bleeding, hematochezia), can refer to blood passing from the anus or any other blood source, it is more commonly thought that blood in the stool refers to bleeding from the lower colon and rectum. Not all bleeding from the body is from the rectum. Any part of the gut can cause blood loss or a blood clot. In medicine, the correct term is gastrointestinal tract bleeding.
These symptoms are also associated with hematochezia
- Retinal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Modifications or disruptions in bowel habits
- Abdominal pain and cramming
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Confusion or confusion
Normally, blood in the stool is an indicator of a problem rather than a diagnosis. Bleeding in the stool could indicate an underlying condition, and should be treated seriously.
Stool blood could be caused by a variety of reasons
Blood in stool is usually a sign of bleeding in the digestive system. If you dig deeper, however, you will discover the following reasons bloody stool can be caused by:
Diverticular Disease
Diverticulitis is a condition that causes bleeding and abdominal pain. It affects only 1 -3% of Indians. Small pouches called diverticula form on the colon walls. Diverticulosis is caused by the formation and excessive growth of diverticula that can grow up to several centimetres. Diverticulitis is caused by the infection of these diverticula.
Ischemic colitis
Ischemic colitis is a common condition that affects elderly people. It is caused by insufficient blood flow to the colon. Ischemic colitis can cause bloody stools and diarrhoea. If you have constipation and bloody stool, it is possible that you have ischemic colitis.
False alarm
It is possible to have bloody stools but no pain. This could be due to the fact that some foods contain pigments that can cause reddish stools.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the bowels. IBD is most common in Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Cancer
Colorectal cancer could also be detected by blood in the stool. The stools can also be affected by polyps, benign tumors that eventually become cancerous. We will be discussing at length the most common causes of blood in stool, namely piles and fissures.
Piles
These can be either internal or external and are classified from Grade I through IV.
Fissure
Anal fissures refer to a tear in the anal lining. A cut in the skin due to hard stool causes blood flow problems and severe pain after each bowel movement. An anal fissure can take between 4-6 weeks for the body to heal. In extreme cases, the muscles tissues beneath may be exposed.
Also Read: Tips To Prevent Hemorrhoids
What are the risks associated with blood in stool?
If you have:
- History of stomach bleeding or hemorrhoids
- History of peptic ulcers
- Irritable bowel disease, diagnosed or not
- Predisposed genetic risk for colorectal and upper gastrointestinal cancers.
When should I see a doctor?
You should always seek medical attention if there is bleeding in your body. If the bloody stool
persists more than 2 days, or if diarrhea isn’t improving, you should seek medical attention.
If you have additional symptoms, such as:
- Vomiting blood
- High fever
- Dizziness, fainting
- Increased or severe abdominal pain
- Rapid pulse
Your doctor might order several diagnostic tests to confirm your diagnosis
Test of stool culture: A stool sample is taken during this procedure and analyzed under the microscope for signs such as blood, parasites, or infections.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): The endoscope is then inserted into the stomach. It is then passed into the stomach and upper part of small intestine. The endoscope is used to view the lining of your esophagus by passing air through it. The doctor may take a small sample of the lining during the test. The samples can be later examined under a microscope to detect any abnormalities.
Nasal irrigation: This allows the doctor to determine the source of the bleeding. During the procedure, the contents will be taken out to check if there is any bleeding. The most likely source of bleeding in the lower digestive system is gastric bleeding.
Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy can be used to identify abnormalities or changes in the large intestinal and rectum. A long flexible tube called a colonoscopy is used to insert into the rectum during colonoscopy. The doctor can view the entire colon with the tiny camera attached to the end of the tube.
Enteroscopy: Examine the small intestine to identify any abnormalities. Your doctor will place a tube equipped with a camera in your mouth or rectum, and then route it through your lower or upper digestive tract. The camera takes photographs as it moves through your digestive tract to determine the source of the bleeding.
Barium X-ray: To detect abnormalities or changes in the large intestinal tract, barium is inserted into the rectum. This can be seen on an Xray.
Angiography: This procedure can determine the location and extent of bleeding in the digestive system. A dye is injected into the vein to make the vessels visible on an X-ray/CT scan.
What can be done to stop bloody stool?
Stopping the bleeding is the first step to stopping blood from forming in your stool. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan once the bleeding has stopped.
Your doctor might recommend:
- Medication: Rectal bleeding can be stopped by antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs or drugs that suppress stomach acid.
- Surgery: Sometimes, it may be necessary for abnormalities to be corrected or repaired in the digestive system
Final thoughts
It is not necessary to be concerned if you find blood in your stool. Consult a gastroenterologist if bleeding continues for more than 2 days. You can make an appointment to see our consultants if you have concerns about bleeding from your stool, or if you have other stomach issues that need attention.
Contact the best Piles Doctor in Kolkata for the Best Treatment for Piles.
About Docor
Dr. Azhar Alam
MBBS (Honours), MRCS A (UK),
DNB General Surgery
FIAGES (Gastro Intestinal Surgery)
FMAS (Minimal Access Surgery),
MNAMS (New Delhi)
Consultant Gastrointestinal, Advanced Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Surgery, KPC Medical College and Hospital
