Blood in Stool - Causes, Prevention and Treatment

15 Reasons For Blood in Stool

Rectal Bleeding or Hematochezia is a condition in which the patient releases blood in the stool. Rectal bleeding can also be a symptom of some serious diseases.

Here are some common reasons behind blood in the stool:

1. Anal Fissure: An anal fissure is a small cut or tear in the mucosal lining of the anus. It leads to painful bowel passage and blood in the stool.
2. Piles or Hemorrhoids: It is a condition where blood vessels, tissues, and muscles in the anal area are swollen and inflamed. It occurs due to prolonged hours of sitting and straining during passing stools, on hard chairs. This causes pain and itching in and around the anus. (Also read: Know Everything about Piles Treatment)
3. Diverticulosis: It is a condition in which small pouches or diverticula have formed around the walls of the large intestine that causes bleeding. This blood further passes out of the body with stool.
4. Polyps: Polyps are small growths of excess tissues on the lining of the large intestine. Very rarely, they can turn cancerous. Because of polyps, one may pass blackish-red stools.
5. Colon Cancer: Colon cancer is a rare type of cancer that initially starts in the large intestine. Common symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stool, fatigue, weight loss, constipation or diarrhea, dark or black-colored stool, etc.
6. Food Poisoning: When you eat stale food or drink contaminated water, you may get food poisoning. These food-borne bacteria can cause blood in the stool. Get your stool sample tested to know the type of bacteria you are exposed to.
7. IBD [Inflammatory Bowel Disease]: Another problem that can cause blood in stool is IBD. It is inflammation in the bowels. People with IBD can suffer from symptoms like diarrhea [affected parts of the bowel can’t reabsorb water], blood in stools [due to ulcers], stomach pain, cramping, and bloating [due to bowel obstruction].
8. Crohn’s disease: It is one of the most common types of IBD. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract lining and can lead to severe diarrhea and abdominal pain. The inflammation can lead to blood in the stool.
9. Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis is a common bacterial infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting. The tummy bug affects people of all ages but is most common in young children. The illness can cause inflammation in the stomach and colon, making it more sensitive when doing a poo. This can cause spots of blood to appear in your stools.
10. Peptic Ulcers: A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach, the upper end of the small intestine, or the duodenum caused by a bacterial infection.
11. Internal bleeding: If the blood in the stool is dark red, it can be a sign of internal bleeding. It could happen anywhere in your digestive system, from your stomach to your small and large intestines. Such bleeding can be a sign of cancer, stomach ulcers, or severe gastrointestinal disease. Consult a doctor if you notice dark red color blood in the stool.
12. Colitis: Colitis is a long-term condition in which the rectum and colon get inflamed. Small ulcers develop in the lining of the bowel. These ulcers bleed and also get pus. People with colitis are also more likely to suffer other bowel conditions such as IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) and Crohn’s disease.
13. STIs [Sexually Transmitted Infections]: STIs can affect the bottom as well as the penis and vagina. Unprotected anal sex can spread STIs from person to person. Once infected, it can cause inflammation of the lining of the anus, which can lead to bleeding and pus. You will need to see a doctor to diagnose the infection, after which you will be treated with either antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medication depending on the type of infection you have.
14. Prolapse: This can be something very serious when there is rectum prolapse. Prolapse means part of your rectum will protrude out through your bum. It can happen when while passing stool and can be quite discomforting. You may not be able to control your bowel if you have a prolapse. You may notice pain and blood in the stool. Immediate medical intervention is important so contact a doctor as it will not heal on its own.
15. False Alarm: Sometimes, coloring from the food we eat like beetroot or red gelatin can turn your stool red. (Also read: Anatomy of colon and rectum)

The exact reason for the presence of blood in piles cannot be guessed verbally. The patient needs to be thoroughly examined by a professional medical adviser or a doctor in order to find out the exact reason behind it.