What Is Blood in the Stool?
Although blood in the stool may be potentially alarming, it can be a relatively common experience for many people. Blood can appear with bowel movements because of simple irritation, constipation, or hemorrhoids, but it may also suggest serious cases of certain digestive conditions or as a sign of colon cancer. Board certified in gastroenterology, Dr. Vera Denmark of Denmark Digestive Health in Weston, MA can help identify the source of bleeding and perform certain tests for a diagnosis. Blood in the stool may appear in different colors, depending on the source of bleeding:
- Bright-red blood: Results from bleeding the lower part of the colon, rectum, or anus
- Dark-red or brown blood: May indicate bleeding in a higher portion of the colon or small intestine
- Black, tarry stools (known as melena): Bleeding in the stomach, possibly from a stomach ulcer
Blood in the stool can be caused by a variety of conditions. Some of the common causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, gastrointestinal bleeding, or infectious diarrhea caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. If you notice blood in your stool, it's important to consult with Dr. Denmark at Denmark Digestive Health so she can recommend various diagnostic tests, like a colonoscopy, endoscopy, or imaging studies. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Reach out to our team for an appointment today.
How Is Blood in the Stool Treated?
Rectal bleeding because of constipation may stop on its own. If bleeding persists and it shows up in your stool, treatment will depend on what is causing blood to appear in the stool. Medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs or topical ointments, including an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream, are some of the treatments used to treat blood in the stool. Other remedies for less serious cases of blood in the stool may include eating a high-fiber diet to relieve constipation, taking a sitz bath to relieve fissures and hemorrhoids, and exercising to stimulate a bowel movement.
Under Dr. Denmark’s guidance and recommendation, you may opt for an endoscopy to help control gastrointestinal bleeding. An endoscopy can diagnose and help treat bleeding. It can be used to inject certain chemicals into the affected site to constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding, cauterize bleeding with an electric current or laser, or close a bleeding vessel with a band or clip.
Surgery may also be a solution to remove polyps or the parts of the colon damaged by cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Blood in the Stool?
Some symptoms of blood in the stool may prompt immediate medical examination at Denmark Digestive Health in Weston, MA. Blood in the stool can present itself in various obvious ways. You may notice:
- Fresh blood on toilet paper after wiping
- Visible blood in the toilet bowl
- Seeing bright red, dark red, or tarry black stools in the toilet
Additional symptoms associated with blood in the stool might be signs of something mild, but it’s important to look for the following signs for timely and effective healthcare:
- Blood in stools for more than three weeks
- A lot of pain during a bowel movement
- Pain or a lump in the stomach area
- Heavy bleeding
- Bowel movements have been softer, thinner, or longer than normal
- Unknown reasons for bleeding
- Bleeding has occurred with vomiting, fever, chills, fainting, or weakness
Denmark Digestive Health Reviews
Dr. Vera Denmark is a very patient Physician! She helped me come off the medication and change my diet to prevent me from having acid reflux disease! She is very thorough and thoughtful and always examined me very carefully!
Dr Denmark is welcoming and calming. She is a great listener and does an outstanding job of aligning with the patient to assess patient and symptoms. Dr Denmark explained her analysis of my situation in clear, easy to understand language, and wrote out a plan of action that included all of my concerns. She was able to diagnose a condition that I have had for years, that kept getting worse. No previous Dr was able to help me. I am now on the mend and so happy that I was lucky enough to find her.
Dr. Denmark is the most compassionate/intuitive/brilliant medical professional I've ever had the privilege of getting an appointment for consultation. Walking in with fears and leaving with sound, practical advice has made me understand that with aging, you have to change your diet. The terrible stabbing pain ceased. She listened and with questions and answers, got right to the problem.She spent a lot of time with me. Thank you so much.
Experienced and knowledgeable about GI issues. Dr. Denmark was quick and efficient with my exam and diagnosis. The surgical center was totally overbooked the day I went for my exam, but these things happen.
4
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Blood in the Stool FAQs
Can changes in my diet cause blood in my stool?
Dietary changes alone, unless they lead to conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures from constipation, typically do not cause blood in the stool. However, eating foods that can cause color changes in the stool may lead some to mistakenly believe they have blood in their stool. Beets, for instance, can turn stools red.
Can stress lead to blood appearing in my stool?
Stress itself doesn't directly cause blood in the stool but can lead to behaviors or conditions that might. For example, stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can lead to bleeding. Managing stress is an important part of overall health, including gastrointestinal health. If you notice blood in your stool, it's important to consult a healthcare provider regardless of your stress levels, as it may indicate a condition that requires medical evaluation and treatment.
Are there any medications that might cause blood in the stool?
Yes, certain medications, especially those that can cause irritation or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants, and corticosteroids, may lead to blood in the stool. Potassium supplements taken in large doses or in certain forms can cause irritation or damage to the intestines, potentially leading to bleeding. If you notice blood in your stool while on medication, it's crucial to seek medical advice promptly to rule out or address any serious underlying conditions.
Is blood in the stool always a sign of a serious condition?
Not always. While blood in the stool can be a sign of serious conditions such as colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, it can also result from less serious issues like hemorrhoids or anal fissures which are treatable and relatively benign. However, the presence of blood in the stool should always prompt a visit to a healthcare provider for evaluation. They can perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the bleeding and recommend the appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing any underlying conditions effectively.
Better Digestive Health
If you've identified symptoms or concerns about blood in your stool, it might be time to seek expert medical advice. Dr. Vera Denmark at Denmark Digestive Health in Weston, MA is here to provide you with the professional guidance and care you need. We offer a compassionate and thorough approach to diagnosing and treating conditions related to your concern. Don't hesitate to take a proactive measure for your health and well-being and schedule a consultation for better digestive health.