What Does Blood in Your Poop

(Hematochezia) Mean?

It can be frightening to see blood in the toilet or when you wipe after you poop. Health’s medical editor weighs in on some possible causes.

Fortuitously, the majority of instances involving rectal bleeding, medically termed as hematochezia, typically do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk, as cited in UpToDate. However, discerning the precise cause of such bleeding necessitates a thorough assessment conducted by a medical professional.

When observing blood in your fecal matter, it is advised to pay heed to the following factors:

• The volume of blood present.
• The hue or shade of the blood.
• Whether the blood is uniformly mixed within the stool or situated atop it.

These details are instrumental in assisting a healthcare practitioner in identifying the origin of the bleeding. Promptly consulting a medical expert is imperative upon noticing any instances of bloody stool, as it could potentially indicate a broad spectrum of underlying factors, ranging from hemorrhoids to more serious conditions like cancer. Provided below are several potential etiologies for the presence of blood in the stool.

Anal Fissures

In the event that you observe bright red blood that appears to coat the exterior of the stool, the source of bleeding, as outlined by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), is situated just above or directly at the anus. This manifestation is commonly associated with a condition known as an anal fissure.

Anal fissures can lead to bleeding and provoke sensations akin to tearing, ripping, or a burning discomfort during or following a bowel movement. While these fissures can be distressing, they typically do not necessitate undue concern, as they tend to resolve autonomously over the course of a few weeks.

In situations where anal fissures persist beyond a span of six weeks without improvement, it is conceivable that medical intervention or surgical measures might be warranted—though such instances are relatively infrequent.

Hemorrhoids

The presence of blood on your feces or bleeding experienced during or between bowel movements might also serve as an indicator of hemorrhoids. These encompass swollen blood vessels situated in the rectum or anus, which can elicit discomfort, itchiness, and intermittent bleeding.

Individuals afflicted with hemorrhoids frequently exhibit painless rectal bleeding. According to UpToDate, this could manifest as bright red blood that covers the stool after defecation, trickles into the toilet, or tinges toilet paper.

Hemorrhoids can manifest due to an array of factors, as elucidated by MedlinePlus, such as:

• Straining during the act of defecation.
• Prolonged periods of sitting on the toilet.
• Persistent constipation or diarrhea.
• Consumption of a low-fiber diet.
• Weakening of supportive tissues in the anus and rectum, a phenomenon associated with aging and pregnancy.
• Regular engagement in heavy lifting.

In numerous instances, the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids can be mitigated through adjustments in dietary habits. This may encompass increasing water intake and incorporating dietary fiber to promote softer stools.

In cases where seeking medical attention is warranted, healthcare professionals might recommend the use of stool softeners or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to alleviate swelling and itching.

IBD and Inflammation of the Digestive Tract

The presence of blood within the stool could also serve as an indicator of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This category encompasses prevalent types like Crohn’s disease, marked by inflammation spanning the entire digestive tract, and ulcerative colitis (UC), characterized by inflammation localized to the colon and rectum lining.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) elucidates that inflammation has the potential to generate minuscule ulcers within the colon and rectum, which may coalesce and evolve into larger ulcers causing bleeding and resultant bloody stools.

During flare-ups, IBD may also incite symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, fever, and weight loss. The CCFA underscores that intestinal inflammation and ulceration impede proper food and waste processing and water absorption, culminating in loose stools (diarrhea) and, in severe cases, weight loss.

For milder instances of IBD symptoms, a combination of medication and certain lifestyle modifications can often prove efficacious, encompassing:

• Steering clear of specific foods, notably those high in fat, fiber, and dairy.
• Opting for smaller, more frequent meals.
• Ensuring adequate hydration.
• Regular exercise.

In extreme scenarios, treatment might necessitate surgical intervention or the incorporation of supplementary medications.

In line with insights from Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, bright red stool blood generally emanates from the rectum or the larger intestine. Conversely, darker or black stools could indicate bleeding further up in the digestive system.

In ulcerative colitis, bleeding usually initiates in the lining of the rectum or the larger intestine, commonly originating from ulcers that have formed there. This blood might ultimately find its way into the stool.

Conversely, Crohn’s disease infrequently causes bleeding, with the occurrence contingent upon the location of inflammation. Instances of Crohn’s disease in the colon (large intestine) or rectum are more prone to generate blood in or on the stool.

Cancer

While the aforementioned factors account for the majority of instances involving blood in the stool, it’s important to acknowledge that rectal bleeding can also stem from cancerous or precancerous conditions, as highlighted by Medline Plus.

Promptly addressing any concerns regarding bloody stool with a healthcare professional is imperative, as certain precancerous polyps situated near the lower end of the colon (large intestine) can exhibit bleeding that resembles hemorrhoidal bleeding. These polyps typically reside within the colon for an extended period before evolving into a cancerous state.

The positive aspect is that these polyps can be safely removed from the colon, effectively thwarting their progression into cancer.

Regrettably, some cases of colorectal cancer are detected in individuals who have neglected rectal bleeding for an extended duration, attributing it to hemorrhoids. However, when colorectal cancer is detected early, successful treatment outcomes are frequently attainable.

Individuals afflicted with Crohn’s disease and UC also face an elevated risk of developing colon cancer. This underscores the significance of regular medical monitoring and vigilance in such cases.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

Even if you suspect that hemorrhoids might be responsible for the presence of blood in your stool, seeking the guidance of a healthcare professional is a prudent step.

As outlined by Medline Plus, certain symptoms should prompt an immediate consultation with a healthcare provider, including:

• Fresh blood observed in your stool.
• Alterations in the color of your stools.
• Discomfort in the anal region while sitting or during bowel movements.
• Experiencing incontinence or an inability to control the passage of stools.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• A drop in blood pressure leading to sensations of dizziness or fainting.

Upon consulting a healthcare provider, your medical history will be discussed, and a comprehensive physical examination focused on your abdominal and rectal regions will be conducted. This evaluation will assist in determining the most suitable course of treatment for your condition.

A Quick Review

The presence of blood in your stool can arise from a spectrum of potential causes, encompassing conditions like hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even the possibility of cancer. The key takeaway is this: should you detect any amount of blood within your feces, it is imperative to promptly initiate communication with your healthcare provider.

Hemorrhoids, inflamed blood vessels around the anus or rectum, are a common culprit for rectal bleeding. Similarly, IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can lead to inflammation and ulceration within the digestive tract, potentially causing bleeding as well. Moreover, though relatively less frequent, blood in the stool could be indicative of cancerous or precancerous conditions, emphasizing the importance of medical assessment.

Understanding the underlying cause necessitates the expertise of a healthcare provider. Their evaluation will involve an in-depth discussion of your symptoms and medical history, followed by a thorough physical examination with emphasis on the abdominal and rectal areas. Additionally, diagnostic tests such as stool analysis, endoscopy, and imaging studies might be recommended to gain a comprehensive insight into the nature of the bleeding and its origin.

Remember, your proactive engagement with a healthcare provider can provide timely insights, guide appropriate interventions, and potentially avert or address more serious health concerns. So, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical attention if you observe any instance of blood in your stool, regardless of its quantity. Your health and well-being deserve prompt attention and care.