Seeing blood in your stool can be a startling and concerning experience. Any instance of blood in the stool warrants medical evaluation to determine its cause.
What the Color and Type of Blood Indicate
The appearance of blood in your stool can provide initial clues about where the bleeding might be occurring in your digestive system. Bright red blood typically indicates bleeding closer to the end of the digestive tract, such as in the lower colon, rectum, or anus. In contrast, dark red or maroon-colored blood suggests bleeding higher up, potentially in the upper colon or small intestine. When blood appears black and tarry, a condition known as melena, it usually points to bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or upper small intestine. The dark color and tarry consistency result from the blood being digested as it travels through the intestines.
Less Serious Reasons for Blood in Stool
Blood in the stool can stem from several common and often less serious conditions. Hemorrhoids are a frequent cause, involving swollen blood vessels in the rectum or around the anus. These can bleed, typically producing bright red blood that may be seen on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or streaking the stool, and often cause painless bleeding during bowel movements.
Another common cause is an anal fissure, which is a small tear in the lining of the anus. Fissures can be painful, especially during bowel movements, and may lead to bright red blood on toilet paper or in the stool. Minor irritation or inflammation in the rectal area can also result in small amounts of visible blood.
More Serious Conditions Causing Blood in Stool
While less serious causes are common, blood in the stool can also be a sign of more significant health concerns within the digestive system. Diverticular disease, characterized by small pouches (diverticula) that form in the colon wall, can lead to bleeding if a blood vessel within a pouch ruptures. This bleeding is often painless and can result in large amounts of bright or dark red blood, sometimes with clots.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the large intestine and rectum, frequently causing bloody diarrhea, mucus in stool, and abdominal pain due to ulcers in the lining. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, and while bleeding is less common than in ulcerative colitis, it can occur, especially if the colon or rectum is involved, often presenting as bright red blood.
Colon polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While many polyps are harmless, some can become precancerous and may bleed, sometimes causing visible blood in the stool or microscopic bleeding that is not immediately apparent. Colorectal cancer, which often develops from these polyps, can also manifest with blood in the stool, varying from bright red to dark or black, along with changes in bowel habits.
Key Accompanying Symptoms to Monitor
Certain additional symptoms can indicate a potentially more serious underlying issue. Significant changes in bowel habits, such as new-onset constipation or diarrhea that persists for more than a few days, warrant medical attention. Unexplained weight loss, without any intentional changes in diet or activity, is another concerning symptom that should prompt a doctor’s visit. Persistent abdominal pain or cramping, particularly if severe or worsening, signals a need for prompt evaluation. Other symptoms like fever, severe fatigue, dizziness, or signs of anemia such as paleness or weakness, suggest significant blood loss or an inflammatory process.
When Professional Medical Advice is Needed
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience large amounts of blood, signs of shock such as fainting, severe dizziness, or extreme weakness. Persistent black, tarry stools also require urgent care, as they indicate ongoing bleeding higher in the digestive tract.
For any other occurrence of blood in the stool, even small amounts of bright red blood, schedule a timely appointment with your doctor. This is especially true if you notice any accompanying symptoms like changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal pain. Your doctor may recommend tests like a stool sample analysis or a colonoscopy to identify the source. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial for addressing any underlying conditions.