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What Does Blood In Stool Mean?
Whether you see it in your stool or discover it while wiping the area with tissue paper after passing a bowel movement, blood in the stool can be very frightening. Blood in the stool can be the result of an underlying disease in the digestive tract, whereas some other times, it could be the result of something much more serious. .
Dr. Pankaj Sareen
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Whether you see it in your stool or discover it while wiping the area with tissue paper after passing a bowel movement, blood in the stool can be very frightening. Blood in the stool can be the result of an underlying disease in the digestive tract, whereas some other times, it could be the result of something much more serious.
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Causes of blood in the stool
In simple understanding, blood in the stool means there is something in the digestive tract which is causing bleeding. Sometimes, the amount of blood can be negligible, while sometimes it may be easily visible in the toilet. Common causes of blood in the stool include:
Anal fissure – Anal fissure is a small cut or tear that happens in the lining of the anus. Fissures are mostly caused due to the continuous passing of hard stool which may irritate the skin. Painful bowel movements that last for several days or months may cause bright red blood in the stool.
Hemorrhoids – Bleeding from piles or hemorrhoids is associated with straining while passing the bowel movement. Often, the condition is also related to chronic diarrhea and constipation. People with hemorrhoids may often have rectal bleeding passing while bowel movements.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – The condition of swelling in the small or large intestine is known as inflammatory bowel disease. IBD can be of two types – Colitis and Crohn’s disease. In either case, there is swelling in the digestive tract. People with IBD may experience intestinal blockages, diarrhea, abdomen pain, cramping, and rectal bleeding.
Anal fistula – When the glands inside the anus that helps in the passing of the stool get infected, it causes anal fistula. An anal fistula may often build up pus, turn into an abscess, and cause bleeding along with stool.
Polyps or cancer – Colorectal cancer is a very common cancer with a very high prevalence all over the world. In India, 87 per 100,000 population suffer from colorectal cancer. Polyps are usually benign growth of tissues that cause bleeding, but with time, may become cancerous. Malignant polyps or any form of colorectal cancer may cause heavy and noticeable amounts of bleeding with the stool.
Causes of blood in the stool may range from harmless gastrointestinal conditions to serious conditions like cancer. The condition of blood in the stool should be diagnosed and treated by an experienced proctologist.
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Meaning of different colors of rectal bleeding
Depending upon where the bleeding might have come from, the color of the rectal bleeding may vary.
– If the blood is bright red, it means the bleeding is either in the colon or the rectum.
– If the bleeding is dark maroonish in color, it means that the bleeding is somewhere higher in the colon or in the small bowel.
– If the blood is like melena or dark tar-like, it could be indicative of ulcers in the stomach.
Is blood in the stool serious?
In some cases, blood in the stool can be a minor condition that can be treated at home without any medical attention. For example, bleeding caused due to hemorrhoids or fissures can be cured with home remedies. Even if it requires medical attention, the treatment is not long-term. But, rectal bleeding should not be ignored or considered trivial always. Rectal bleeding can be a sign of a serious condition sometimes. If the rectal bleeding is heavy, causing you severe discomfort, and doesn’t seem to stop even after trying home remedies, it is best to check with a healthcare provider.
How to treat rectal bleeding?
In most cases, treating the cause of rectal bleeding can help improve the condition. Rectal bleeding is not a particular cause in itself but a part of a bigger issue that needs to be treated. If that condition is treated, chances are that the rectal bleeding will automatically stop. Depending on the cause and the condition, the treatment options may vary.
Rectal bleeding caused due to fissures can be treated with antibiotic ointments. If the rectal bleeding is due to constipation or hard stool, increasing the intake of water and change in dietary habits can resolve the problem.
But, if the bleeding is due to cancer or any kind of tumor, an experienced proctologist is the best person to go to.
Home remedies for blood in the stool
Although guidance from a professional medical practitioner can help you understand and treat the condition of rectal bleeding better than anyone else, here are a few simple practices that can help in preventing blood in the stool.
– Do not strain while passing bowels.
– Be very gentle while wiping the anal area after a bowel movement.
– Soak the anal area in a tub of warm water every day for 15-20 minutes.
– Increase intake of fiber in food.
– Drink more and more water.
When to see a proctologist for rectal bleeding?
Rectal bleeding is not an emergency. But if the condition lasts for a long time, you should seek medical help without further delay. If the bleeding in the stool is profuse or causes other symptoms such as dizziness or weakness, if the bleeding includes mucus, check with a doctor as soon as possible.
For the condition of blood in the stool, you can either check with a proctologist, a gastroenterologist, or a GI specialist. If you are experiencing constipation, blood along with stool, or a tough time passing a bowel, you can consult with the highly experienced proctologists at Pristyn Care.
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