What Causes Blood In Stool?

Imagine seeing a blood in your stool after a bowel movement! That could indicate a serious problem.

When this happened, it means that there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. The amount and the intensity colour of the blood will be detected by a fecal occult test. There are various causes that is associated with blood in stool. Here's what you need to know:

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms associated with blood in stool are, abdominal pain, vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, palpitations, fainting, and weight loss.

Image source: Constipation Experts

Causes

1) Diverticular disease

Diverticula are small pouches that project from the colon wall. Usually diverticula don't cause problems, but sometimes they can bleed or become infected.

2) Anal fissure

A small cut or tear in the tissue lining the anus similar to the cracks that occur in chapped lips or a paper cut. Fissures are often caused by passing a large, hard stool and can be painful.

3) Colitis

Inflammation of the colon. Among the more common causes are infections or inflammatory bowel disease.

4) Angiodysplasia

A condition in which fragile, abnormal blood vessels lead to bleeding. Peptic ulcers. An open sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the upper end of the small intestine. Many peptic ulcers are caused by infection from long-term use or high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can also cause ulcers.

5) Polyps or cancer

Polyps are benign growths that can grow, bleed, and become cancerous and it is the fourth most common cancer. The cause of the bleeding is not usually obvious.

6) Esophageal problems

Varicose veins of the esophagus or tears in the esophagus can lead to severe blood loss.

Treatments

The treatment varies depending on the cause. When a patient is discovered with blood in stool, a doctor will proceed with endoscopy that contains chemicals into the site of the bleeding to close the bleeding vessel. There are other procedures too such as using of electric current, laser or apply a band or clip. Some treatment only includes medication while some like colon problems, diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease may require surgery.

The best prevention is to start by eating high-fiber diet for an easy bowel movement and sitting in a warm or hot baths to relieve fissures.