{"id":2407,"date":"2018-08-14T11:20:42","date_gmt":"2018-08-14T11:20:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=2407"},"modified":"2021-03-19T15:28:04","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T15:28:04","slug":"9-possible-causes-of-blood-in-stool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/9-possible-causes-of-blood-in-stool\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Possible Causes of Blood in Stool"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Whether you discover it while wiping after passing a bowel movement, you find that there is bright red or a dark color in the toilet after using the bathroom, or a test ordered by a health care provider reveals that there is blood in your stool, the discovery can be extremely frightening.<\/p>\n

Medically referred to as mehatochezia, blood in the stool can occur for a number of reasons, from nothing seriously concerning to severe health conditions. Whatever the reason, finding out that your stool is bloody is definitely something that can be alarming and raise serious concern. Bloody stool can appear bright red in color, or it can cause your stool to be dark in color; almost black. What causes bloody bowel movements? Here\u2019s a look at 9 possible causes.<\/p>\n

1. Hemorrhoids<\/h3>\n

One of the most common causes of blood in the stool is related to hemorrhoids<\/a>. Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are a very common condition that can affect people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. The anus and rectum are full of veins. Those veins can become inflamed, and when they do, hemorrhoids develop. Hemorrhoids can develop for a number of reasons.<\/p>\n

They can be the result of constipation, passing frequent bowel movements, sitting on the toilet or hard surfaces too long, pushing too hard when trying to pass a stool, and they can also be the result of the excess pressure put on the veins in the rectum during pregnancy. Whatever the cause, hemorrhoids can lead to blood stool. This blood is usually bright red in color and is noticeable when you wipe, it may be visible in the stool itself, or both. While they usually aren\u2019t dangerous, hemorrhoids can be very uncomfortable. <\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

\"\"2. Anal fissures<\/h3>\n

Another common cause of blood in the stool is an anal fissure<\/a>. The tissue that lines the anus is very thin and moist, which can make it susceptible to tears (anal fissures). Trying to pass hard stools or stools that are large in size can lead to anal fissures, as can engaging in anal sex. A telltale sign of an anal fissure is stool that is tinged with bright red blood.<\/p>\n

It can also cause an extreme amount of pain, and lead to spasms in the muscles that surround the anus (known as the anal sphincter). Anal fissures are extremely common in infants; however, people of any age can develop them. Home remedies, such as sitz baths and increasing fiber intake, can be an effective way to treat anal fissures. They usually aren\u2019t considered harmful; however, it may not be a bad idea to see a doctor to determine if this is the actual cause of blood in the stool<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

3. A peptic ulcer<\/h3>\n

If you are suffering from a peptic ulcer<\/a>, you may experience the sight of blood in your stool. Peptic ulcers cause open wounds in either the lining of the stomach, the upper portion of the small intestine, or both. They occur when the highly acidic digestive juices in the gastrointestinal tract eat away at the protective layer that lines the stomach and small intestine. As the lining of the stomach or small intestine erodes and sores develop, bleeding can occur.<\/p>\n

That blood empties the digestive tract through bowel movements, which can result in the visible appearance of blood in your stool. Other symptoms of a peptic ulcer can include a burning sensation in the stomach. If left untreated, peptic ulcers can cause severe internal bleeding that could end up necessitating blood transfusions. If you suspect you have a peptic ulcer, seek medical treatment immediately. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

4. Diverticulitis<\/h3>\n

Diverticulitis<\/a> is a common condition that occurs when the small pouches that line the walls of the small and large intestines (known as diverticula) develop. Diverticulitis usually develops when small particles of food, such as nuts or seeds, get trapped in the small pouches that develop in the diverticula. When that happens, severe pain can arise in the left side of the abdomen. Blood can also be present in the stool.<\/p>\n

This condition can also be accompanied by a fever. If left untreated, severe cases of diverticulitis can cause a number of complications that may require surgical treatment, such as the development of an abscess, fistulas, scarring, and severe internal bleeding. If you find that you have blood in your stool and you are experiencing intense pain in the left side of your abdomen, there is a good chance that you have diverticulitis. It is highly recommended that you seek immediate medical care to determine the cause and receive the proper treatment. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

5. Gastroenteritis<\/h3>\n

Another common cause of blood in the stool is gastroenteritis<\/a>. This condition is marked by symptoms that include diarrhea and vomiting, and it is often referred to as the stomach flu; however, in reality, the condition is actually gastroenteritis. With this condition, both the intestines and the stomach become irritated and inflamed, which can result in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, blood in the stool.<\/p>\n

Gastroenteritis is usually cause by a bacterial or viral infection that are contracted when you come into contact with someone who has the illness, by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated, or by not washing your hands after using the toilet or changing a baby\u2019s diaper. Though the condition is not usually severe and clears up on its own, in some cases, it can become serious, as it can cause dehydration and other adverse side effects. In severe cases, medical care is necessary.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

\"\"6. Irritable bowel syndrome<\/h3>\n

Commonly referred to simply as IBS<\/a>, irritable bowel syndrome is marked by an increase urge to use the bathroom, frequent watery stools, constipation, or both. Despite extensive research, the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not yet known. Some possible causes may be a highly sensitive colon, an increased perception of peristalsis motion (the motion that occurs during the process of digestion), the response of the immune system to infections and stress, high levels of stress, and changes in hormone levels.<\/p>\n

Though the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not known, what is known is that it can be extremely uncomfortable, embarrassing, and that it can disrupt quality of life. The frequent need to pass bowel movements or having constipation can also lead to blood in the stool. While there is no definite treatment for IBS, there are ways that it can be managed, so if you suspect you have it, speak to your healthcare professional to find out how you can handle your condition. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

7. Ulcerative colitis<\/h3>\n

Ulcerative colitis<\/a> is common condition. It\u2019s an inflammatory bowel disease that results in prolonged inflammation in the digestive tract. Sores (or ulcers) can also develop in the lining of the digestive tract. This condition affects the interior lining of the colon (the large intestine), as well as the rectum. Symptoms of this condition include diarrhea, an increased need to pass bowel movements, pain and cramping in the abdomen, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue. Ulcerative colitis is considered a serious condition.<\/p>\n

Currently, the cause of this condition is not fully known and there is no cure; however, there are ways that the condition can be managed. It is important to seek medical care as soon as possible if you believe that you are suffering from ulcerative colitis, because if it is left untreated, serious and life-threatening side effects can occur. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

8. Colorectal cancer<\/h3>\n

Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the colon (the large intestine), which is the last part of the digestive tract. It occurs when the cells that line the colon mutate and form malignant tumors<\/a>. Colorectal cancer is considered a serious condition and it can spread to other parts of the body; however, unfortunately, the symptoms of this type of cancer are usually not identified until it has progressed to a degree that it is no longer considered treatable or when it has advanced to other parts of the body.<\/p>\n

With that said, there are some symptoms that can be attributed to colorectal cancer, including changes in bowel movements, rectal bleeding and blood in the stool, constant and severe abdominal pain, and a feeling as if the bowel cannot be completely emptied. If you suspect that you have colorectal cancer, it is important to seek prompt medical care. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

9. Angiodysplasia<\/h3>\n

This condition occurs when the blood vessels that lie in the gastrointestinal tract develop an abnormality. The abnormality can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, the colon, and the anus. With this condition the, blood vessels that are affected become swollen and\/or enlarged. It can also cause bloody lesions in the stomach and the colon.<\/p>\n

The symptoms of this condition include blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an increased heart beat. The blood loss can range in severity; some people experience mild blood loss, while other experience severe blood loss. If you suspect that you have developed angiodysplasia<\/a>, schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Doing so will allow a diagnosis of this condition to be made, and you will also be able to receive the necessary treatment.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"10. Upper GI Tract Bleeding<\/h3>\n

Finding blood<\/a> in your stool is a harrowing experience. Our mind rushes to grasp the possibilities of the situation, and if we\u2019re not careful, we can start to think of the worst case scenario. However, there are numerous reasons why your stool could be bloody. One of the more common causes is a, \u201cGI bleed.\u201d A GI bleed occurs due to a tear or rupture in the upper segment of the intestines, causing blood to enter the bowels.<\/p>\n

As a result, the blood can take on an undigested appearance, leaving red streaks in your stool. An upper GI bleed is a severe health risk and requires surgery to fix the torn tissues and return the GI tract to normal health. Doctors fix the tear using endoscopic procedures to repair the damage, and the patient remains sedated during the surgery.<\/p>\n

Upon resuscitation, the patient receives blood transfusions and airway stabilization to recover. Patients may take a few weeks to recover from the surgery, and doctors recommend bed rest during this period.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

11. Polyps<\/h3>\n

Polyps<\/a> are fleshy bulbs extending from the walls of the digestive tract. There are several types of polyps, with the most common being the adenomatous variety.\u00a0 Adenomatous polyps affect as many as 25-percent of all adults over the age of 50-years old.<\/p>\n

Colorectal cancer is one of the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and estimates show that more than 50,000 Americans will die as a result of complications with colorectal cancer in 2019. Unfortunately, adenomatous polyps are the number one risk factor for developing colorectal cancer. However, there is hope for anyone suffering from these polyps.<\/p>\n

Advances in medical science mean that doctors can now remove non-metastatic adenomatous polyps through surgery and treatment with chemotherapy drugs. Due to the rate of colorectal cancer diagnosis in the United States, doctors recommend that people over the age of 50 should receive regular checkups from their doctor for signs of the development of polyps.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Radiation Damage<\/h3>\n

People receiving radiation<\/a> treatment for cancer find that side-effects of the drugs can last for as long as two to three weeks after ending their treatment. During this stage, it\u2019s common for patients to experience blood in their stool due to the effects of the radiation killing of cancer cells in the gut.<\/p>\n

Medical science refers to this effect as, \u201cradiation proctitis or proctopathy.\u201d The therapy damages the rectum while treating bowel, prostate, or ovary cancer, and can persist \u2013 with differing degrees of intensity, for up to 21-days after the surgery \u2014 the symptoms of the condition, present as bright red blood during bowel movements. Patients may also experience a sudden urge to go to the toilet and find that they see blood in their stool.<\/p>\n

Before you undergo any cancer treatment, your doctor will explain what symptoms you can expect, and they will ask you to keep a record of the events so they can look for any abnormalities outside of the expectant symptoms.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Perianal Abscess<\/h3>\n

The anus has small glands that open during bowel movements, secreting fluids that help with passing stool. A perianal abscess<\/a> occurs when these glands become blocked due to infection, resulting in the build-up of pus. As the pus builds, it starts to form an abscess, and if left untreated, it will rupture, spilling the puss into the rectum.<\/p>\n

Perianal abscesses create symptoms of irritation and slight pain, and many people suffering from this condition don\u2019t realize there\u2019s a problem until it’s ready to rupture. Doctors can drain the abscess in their office, with the patient only needing a local anesthetic for the procedure. However, large abscesses may require surgery to drain, and clean the gland, to avoid further complications. This procedure occurs in the hospital, and the patient receives an anesthetic to put them under while the operation takes place.<\/p>\n

Around one-third of all perianal abscesses end up in the formation of an anal fistula.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Fistula<\/h3>\n

When a patient does not receive treatment for a perianal abscess, there\u2019s a good chance that they will develop an anal fistula<\/a>. A fistula is the development of a connection between two different organs or spaces in the body. In the case of anal fistula, the patient experiences a connection between the rectum and anus – or the skin around the anus. As a result, the patient may start to notice blood in their stool.<\/p>\n

Doctors can fix an anal fistula with surgery to remove the link. This procedure occurs under anesthetic in the hospital, and surgeons rarely experience any further complications that arrive after the removal of the fistula. However, the recovery process for this procedure can be challenging to manage, and doctors recommend that patients recover at home for at least a week before returning to normal activities.<\/p>\n

Other fistulas that may cause blood in the stool include those that affect the digestive system, due to issues such as inflammatory bowel disease.<\/p>\n

\r\n

<\/div>