Blood in Stool: Causes, Hygiene, and Essential Insights

Why Am I Seeing Blood in My Stool?

Blood appearing in stool indicates bleeding somewhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes vital organs such as the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (colon).

Noticing blood in your stool can understandably cause concern. While it may sometimes be linked to serious conditions like cancer, most often, it signals a less severe issue.

Various conditions can lead to this symptom, including severe diarrhea or constipation.

Continue reading to understand the most frequent causes of blood in stool, appropriate treatments, and when to consult a healthcare provider.

EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience heavy bleeding. Also, consult a doctor if you feel dizzy, weak, or confused alongside bleeding.

Common Causes of Blood in Stool

There are numerous reasons why blood might appear in stool.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located inside the anus and are the leading cause of anal bleeding. In the United States, about 1 in 20 people have hemorrhoids, with prevalence increasing with age.

These swollen veins develop inside the rectum—the final part of the colon—and around the external anal area.

Bleeding from hemorrhoids typically appears bright red. Symptoms can include anal itching and pain, though some individuals may only become aware of hemorrhoids when bleeding occurs.

Occasionally, pain results from a blood clot forming inside a hemorrhoid, known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

Anal Fissures

Anal fissures, or small tears in the lining of the anus, can result from:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Diarrhea
• Passing large stools
• Anal intercourse
• Childbirth

They are especially common in infants.

Alongside blood in stool, symptoms may include:

• Pain during and sometimes after bowel movements
• Anal spasms
• Itching
• A lump or skin tag near the anus

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is a term covering disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

These autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the GI tract, sending white blood cells that release chemicals leading to intestinal damage and inflammation.

Blood in stool is a common symptom, often accompanied by:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Bloating
• An urgent need to defecate even when unnecessary
• Weight loss
• Anemia

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and is frequently linked to polyps—small, noncancerous growths on the colon or rectal lining.

Other symptoms besides bleeding may include:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Thin, pencil-shaped stools
• Abdominal discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

Infections

Infections can also cause bloody diarrhea, sometimes referred to as dysentery.

Bacterial infections like those caused by Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and enterohemorrhagic E. coli are common culprits. Parasitic infections such as Entamoeba histolytica also cause similar symptoms.

Symptoms accompanying bloody diarrhea may include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Additional Causes

Other conditions that may result in blood in stool include:

• Colitis (colon inflammation)
• Constipation
• Diverticulitis (inflamed digestive tract)
• Gastritis (stomach lining inflammation)
• Proctitis (rectal inflammation)

Conditions causing blood both in vomit and stool include gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as esophageal varices.

Peptic ulcers often arise due to:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Depending on bleeding severity, stools may appear black and tarry or bright red.

Esophageal varices are swollen veins often caused by severe liver disease and excessive alcohol intake. They can lead to life-threatening bleeding requiring urgent care. Symptoms may include vomiting large amounts of blood and black, tarry stools, sometimes accompanied by bright red blood from the rectum.

Blood on Toilet Paper

Blood appearing on toilet paper usually originates from bleeding in the lower GI tract, including the rectum and anus, and is typically bright red.

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common causes of this symptom.

Blood from other GI tract areas may be darker or black and mixed within the stool, often not visible on toilet paper.

Diagnosing Blood in Stool

Your healthcare provider will determine necessary tests based on your symptoms and medical history.

Tests may include a physical rectal exam and stool tests for hidden blood. Blood tests can check for anemia, inflammation, or infection by measuring hemoglobin and white blood cell counts.

Stool cultures help identify infections and assess their severity.

Imaging studies like abdominal CT scans (with or without contrast) are common for locating bleeding sources.

Endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy allow direct visualization of the digestive tract to detect abnormalities or tumors.

Treatment Options for Blood in Stool

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Managing Hemorrhoids

Lifestyle changes can relieve or prevent hemorrhoids:

Tips to Prevent Hemorrhoids

• Stay well-hydrated.
• Increase dietary fiber to prevent constipation.
• Use moist wipes or wet toilet paper to gently clean the area and reduce irritation.
• Don’t delay bowel movements.
• Avoid straining during defecation.

Over-the-counter creams and hydrocortisone suppositories may provide relief.

Persistent hemorrhoids that protrude may require warm water cleansing after bowel movements to reduce size.

In severe cases, medical procedures to shrink or surgically remove hemorrhoids might be necessary.

Treating Anal Fissures

Most anal fissures heal naturally or with home care:

• Increase fluid and fiber intake through fruits and vegetables.
• Consider fiber supplements if dietary changes aren't enough.
• Take sitz baths to boost blood flow and relax anal muscles.
• Use topical pain relievers like lidocaine to ease discomfort.
• Try over-the-counter laxatives to facilitate bowel movements.

Consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond two weeks for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease

While most IBD types lack a cure, treatments help control symptoms and inflammation:

• Anti-inflammatory medications targeting the digestive tract
• Immunosuppressants to reduce immune system attacks
• Biologic drugs that block proteins causing inflammation

Optimizing nutrition is crucial, as some foods may trigger symptoms.

In severe cases unresponsive to medication, surgery to remove affected colon sections may be recommended.

Ongoing medical supervision, a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, and specialist care are key to managing IBD and preventing flare-ups.

Treating Colorectal Cancer

If colorectal cancer is suspected, early consultation with a healthcare professional is vital for diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning.

Diagnosis typically involves biopsy via colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, followed by imaging to assess disease spread before chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Addressing Infections

Treatment includes oral rehydration when possible; intravenous fluids may be necessary for dehydration.

Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections to shorten illness duration and reduce transmission risk.

Parasitic infections require antiparasitic medications.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Worsening or persistent pain
• Dark or thick blood in stool
• Black, sticky stools indicating digested blood
• Symptoms lasting more than two weeks without improvement

Urgently seek care if you feel dizzy, weak, confused, or experience heavy bleeding.

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