Blood in stool is a concerning symptom, often prompting questions about its link to various health conditions, including COVID-19. This article clarifies the relationship between COVID-19 and blood in stool, while also providing general information about other common causes.
COVID-19 and Digestive Symptoms
While COVID-19 is primarily recognized for its respiratory effects, a notable portion of patients also experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Estimates suggest that around 50% of individuals with COVID-19 may have GI issues. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. For some, these digestive problems might even be the initial or sole symptoms of the infection.
Despite the presence of these GI symptoms, blood in stool is generally not considered a direct or common manifestation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. If bleeding in the stool occurs in a COVID-19 patient, it is usually due to another underlying condition, a complication of severe illness, or medication side effects. For instance, critically ill patients might develop stress ulcers, or certain medications used in treatment could contribute to bleeding.
Common Causes of Blood in Stool
The color of the blood can offer clues about its origin within the digestive system. Bright red blood typically indicates bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the rectum or anus. In contrast, dark, tarry, or black stools, medically termed melena, usually signal bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, or the initial part of the small intestine.
Bright red blood in stool is frequently associated with conditions like hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can bleed, often appearing as streaks on toilet paper or dripping into the toilet after a bowel movement. Anal fissures are small tears in the anal lining, commonly caused by passing hard stools, which can also lead to bright red blood and pain during or after bowel movements.
Other potential causes of bright red or dark red blood include diverticulosis, a condition where small pouches in the colon can bleed if a blood vessel within them ruptures. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that can cause bloody diarrhea. Colon polyps, which are growths in the colon, can also bleed.
Common culprits for melena include peptic ulcers, which are open sores in the stomach or duodenum that can bleed. Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, and esophageal varices, enlarged veins in the esophagus often seen in people with advanced liver disease, can also lead to upper GI bleeding manifesting as melena. While some causes of blood in stool are minor, others can be serious, emphasizing the need for professional diagnosis.
When to Seek Medical Care
Any observation of blood in stool should prompt a medical consultation. It is crucial not to attempt self-diagnosis. Providing detailed information about the bleeding, including its color, amount, and any accompanying symptoms, will assist healthcare providers in identifying the source and severity.
Immediate emergency medical attention is necessary if you experience significant amounts of blood in your stool, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting, extreme weakness, a rapid heart rate, or signs of shock. If you notice small amounts of bright red blood, persistent dark or tarry stools, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue alongside the bleeding, it is important to contact a doctor soon.