Blood in Your Stool: What It Means and What to Do About It

Finding the blood in the stool is a problematic experience for anyone. Bloody stools should be addressed, but there are many reasons for rectal bleeding that don’t warrant an emergency visit to the doctor. If the blood is dark or has a tar-like consistency, it’s usually an indication it’s coming from the esophagus or stomach and may be due to an ulcer. It also matters where you see the blood. “If you just see blood isolated to the toilet paper when you wipe, it’s likely coming from a perianal source like a hemorrhoid or fissure, “But when it’s mixed in with stool, it’s probably coming from the colon and could be an indication of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer. In this blog post, Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi – a colorectal surgeon in Bangalore, explains the common reason for blood in stool, when you need to consult an expert and possible treatment options.

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There are many different reasons you could have blood in your stool. Hemorrhoids, or swollen veins in the lower rectum, are a common cause. Other conditions that can cause blood in the stool are:

• Rectal prolapse
• Rectal polyps
• Ulcers in the rectum
• Injury to the mucosa (lining tissue) in the colorectal system
• Anal fissures
• Diverticular bleeding
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Colorectal cancer

Some of these things, like hemorrhoids, fissures, or prolapse, can be related to constipation and straining, or on the other side of the spectrum, they can be related to having a lot of loose stools.

While for some causes the blood in the stool may be harmless at the beginning it’s very important to consult with a doctor before a dangerous health condition. Look for urgent medical help if:

1. You notice a large amount of blood or Bleeding continues: huge amounts of bright red or dark blood may reflect the serious issue
2. You experience other concerning symptoms: Continues abdominal pain, changes in toilet timing, unplanned weight loss, or tiredness may cause blood in the stool and look to immediate medical attention
3. You have a family history of colorectal cancer: In your family anyone has a history of colorectal cancer, then it’s important to take precautions and get medical help immediately

To find out the cause of blood in your stool, your doctor may recommend various tests, such as:

• Colonoscopy: A procedure that helps the doctor examine the entire colon for the actual problem
• Stool Tests: These can detect the presence of certain signs that are related to gastrointestinal disease and help to find infections and dark blood
• Blood Tests: To check your overall health condition and look for signs of inflammation or infection.

The moment you see blood in your stool, consult a doctor without any delay. Hiding will not help anymore. While getting treatment is recommended, here are some tips to manage this condition to an extent:

• Apply only the prescribed ointments/creams for treating the hemorrhoids.
• Drink plenty of water to improve digestion and excretion
• Consume more fiber to improve your digestion and excretion
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle, and if possible move your body in frequent intervals to   ease the pressure in your lower torso while sitting
• Get expert consultation from Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi regarding surgery for hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Blood in your stool is not a symptom that you never want to be ignored. Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi, the best Gastroenterologist in Bangalore, advises individuals to prioritize their gastrointestinal health and seek timely medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember, early detection can make a significant difference in managing and resolving gastrointestinal issues efficiently. If you’re experiencing any digestive concerns or have observed blood in your stool, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi for expert guidance and personalized care. Your digestive health is paramount, and addressing issues perfectly can make your life more healthier.