Finding blood in your stools can be alarming, but it’s important to understand that the causes can range from minor conditions to more serious health issues. Medically known as hematochezia, blood in stools can appear as bright red streaks or as dark, tar-like stools, depending on where the bleeding originates in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
What Is Blood in Stools?
Blood in stools, or hematochezia, appears as red streaks or dark, tarry stools. Causes vary, and not all are serious.
Common Symptoms of Blood in Stools
In addition to the visible sign of blood in your stools, you might experience other symptoms, such as:
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
Bloating or cramping
Nausea and Vomiting
These accompanying symptoms can signal the need for prompt medical evaluation to identify the cause.
What Causes Blood in Stools?
Blood in stools can result from a wide variety of conditions, some minor and others more serious:
Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the rectum or anus, a common and often minor cause of blood in stools.
Anal fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus, often due to constipation.
Diverticulosis: Small bulges in the colon wall that can bleed.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that cause chronic inflammation of the intestines.
Colorectal cancer: A more serious cause that needs timely screening, especially if the bleeding persists or is accompanied by weight loss.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice blood in your stools, particularly if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as
abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, you should seek medical advice. A healthcare provider may perform tests such as a colonoscopy, blood tests, or imaging studies to determine the cause of bleeding.
Treatment Options for Blood in Stools
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause of the bleeding. In order to decide the
treatment, a colonoscopy will need to be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Common treatment approaches include:
Lifestyle changes: Increasing fiber intake can improve bowel movements, while avoiding irritating foods may help reduce symptoms.
Medications: Over-the-counter treatments like creams for hemorrhoids or prescribed medication for conditions such as IBD or infections.
Surgery or Endoscopic removal: In cases of colorectal cancer, polyps, or severe hemorrhoids, surgical intervention may be required.
Self-Care Tips for Relieving Symptoms
While waiting for a medical diagnosis, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the
symptoms of blood in stools:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep stools soft, and drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters a day of fluids.
Eat more fiber: A diet high in fiber can help prevent constipation and reduce strain during bowel movements. Usually aim for at least 3 palm-sized servings of green leafy vegetables/fruits per day.
Avoid irritating foods: Spicy, greasy, or processed foods may worsen symptoms.
Use warm compresses or sitz baths: These can help soothe discomfort, particularly if
hemorrhoids or anal fissures are the cause.
Over-the-counter pain relief: Medications like acetaminophen can relieve discomfort or cramping.
Maintain good sleep hygiene: Poor sleep increases the risk of spasms of the anus leading to difficulty passing motion and more straining- this may need anal fissures/hemorrhoids and bleeding when straining too hard.
However, always consult a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle or dietary changes, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
Blood in stools should never be ignored. While some causes are relatively minor, others may require immediate medical attention. If you experience this symptom, it’s important to seek a proper diagnosis from your doctor. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in managing the underlying cause and preventing more serious complications.