Blood in the toilet may be a scary and upsetting discovery. Even though it doesn’t always point to anything major, you should never disregard it. Hematochezia, the medical term for blood in feces, may have a number of causes.
To ensure prompt diagnosis and suitable treatment, knowing the probable causes, related symptoms, and when to seek emergency medical assistance is essential.
Common Causes of Blood in Stools
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the rectum or anus, known as hemorrhoids, may burst and bleed during bowel movements. Constipation, continuous straining, and extended sitting are common culprits.
- Anal Fissures: Fissures in the anus skin are common after passing big or difficult feces. These splits have the potential to sting, bleed, and hurt.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Inflammation and ulceration in the digestive system caused by illnesses like bacterial, viral, or parasite gastroenteritis are common causes of blood in the feces.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two diseases that may induce intestinal inflammation and ulceration, which in turn can produce bloody stools.
- Diverticular Disease: Colon wall diverticula are like little pouches that may develop there. These pouches are a potential source of bleeding if they become irritated or infected.
- Colorectal Polyps or Cancer: Bleeding may be caused by polyps or malignant tumors in the colon or rectum, both of which are growths of abnormal tissue.
- Peptic Ulcers: Blood in the stool may be caused by ulcers in the stomach lining or the upper small intestine.
- Angiodysplasia: Hematochezia is a complication of this disease that results from aberrant, unstable blood vessels in the digestive system.
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When to Worry
- Large Amounts of Blood: It is critical to get medical help immediately away if you pass bright red blood or blood clots in your stool. This may be a sign of a more serious problem that needs to be checked out right away.
- Persistent Bleeding: Blood in the stool once in a while may not be a huge deal if it’s caused by something harmless like hemorrhoids. However, medical attention should be sought if bleeding lasts longer than a few days or occurs regularly.
- Changes in Bowel Habits: Increased frequency, diarrhea, constipation, a change in the appearance of the stool, or the presence of blood in the stool are all causes for concern.
- Abdominal Pain and Fatigue: Blood in the stool may be a symptom of a more severe problem, so it’s important to get medical assistance right away if you also have stomach discomfort, cramps, or exhaustion.
- Family History: Those who have ancestors who suffered from colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal diseases should keep a close eye out for blood in their stools.
There are several potential causes of blood in feces, but the presence of such a sign should never be disregarded. Knowing when to be alarmed by blood in the stool is important for detecting any health problems and getting prompt medical assistance.
Early diagnosis and appropriate care may improve treatment results for any ailment, no matter how minor or severe.
You should see a doctor right away if you see blood in your poop, or if you have any other worrying symptoms.