Confronting the occurrence of bloody stool is actually disturbing and frightening. What are the most important Causes of blood in the stool How is the diagnosis and treatment made?

Causes of blood coming out with stool

The appearance of bloody stool means bleeding somewhere in the digestive system. Which may be so mild that it can only be detected by a fecal occult blood test, or it may appear clearly when using the toilet.

The occurrence of bleeding in a higher part of the digestive system may lead to the appearance of blood accompanying the stool in black color, while the bright red color may indicate a problem in the lower part of the digestive system, such as hemorrhoids. Possible causes include:

1. Diverticulosis

Diverticular disease causes small cysts to protrude from weak areas in the colon wall. Which may sometimes cause injury resulting in bleeding.

2. Anal fissure

Anal fissure is the most common cause of bloody stools. It is a cut or tear in the tissues lining the anus, which usually occurs as a result of hardened stool or constipation, which leads to difficulty in passing it outside. Anal fissures usually heal on their own, and the use of some creams such as Vaseline can help relieve the resulting pain.

3. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are formed from swollen blood vessels that extend from the anus, causing pain, itching, and light red bleeding. Among the most common causes of hemorrhoids are constipation or diarrhea, prolonged sitting without movement, pregnancy, or heavy lifting.

4. Colitis

Colitis is one of the most common causes of infection or inflammation of the intestine, which results in severe inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, causing rectal bleeding. Among its other symptoms:

• Tummy ache
• Weight loss
• fever
• Fatigue and tiredness

5. Peptic ulcer

One of the causes of bloody stools is peptic ulcers, which are usually caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori infection or overuse of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the long term. Its symptoms also include:

• Collywobbles
• Flatulence
• heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weight loss

6. Tumors

The formation of benign tumors on the outer side of the intestine, may lead to bleeding in the rectum. In the case of neglecting benign tumors without treatment, the condition may develop into cancerous tumors such as colon cancer and rectal cancer, which is the third cause of tumor deaths in the United States of America.

7. Other reasons

Methods for diagnosing blood in the stool

At first, the doctor will ask a series of questions, such as:

• Associated symptoms that you suffer from
• time of onset of bleeding
• The color of the blood in the stool

Then doctors usually conduct a physical examination of the affected area to find out the cause, such as hemorrhoids. The doctor may also order some tests to determine the causes of blood in the stool. Among those tests:

1. Perform a complete blood test

A complete blood test (CBC) is performed to determine the amount of blood lost.

2. Gastric lavage

The doctor may order gastric lavage in order to determine whether the bleeding is in the upper or lower part of the digestive tract.

3. Endoscopy

Doctors may use endoscopy by inserting a thin, flexible scope into the anus to locate the affected area and the source of bleeding.

4. Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy, or colonoscopy, is used to detect changes that may occur in the large intestine. This medical examination can also be used to take tissue samples (biopsy).

5. X-rays of the colon

Also known as a barium enema, it is used to detect any changes or abnormalities in the large intestine.

6. Radioactive isotopes

It is a medical procedure that relies on injecting small amounts of a radioactive substance into a vein, then a special camera is used in order to see an image of blood flow in the digestive system in order to determine the source of bleeding.

Treating bloody stools

Treatment methods differ according to determining the causes of blood in the stool, and treatment may include the use of antibiotics to treat bacteria, or drugs that suppress acidity in the stomach, or anti-inflammatory drugs to treat colitis.

And if the diagnosis is made as bleeding caused by hemorrhoids, the associated pain and inflammation can be alleviated by using soothing creams to reduce inflammation.

In addition to treatment, you may need the following:

• Follow a healthy diet rich in dietary fiber to treat constipation, and reduce the exacerbation of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
• Sitting in a warm water bath may also help relieve pain and inflammation.

In severe cases, the doctor may resort to laser treatment or resort to surgical intervention.

In the case of cancerous tumors, they may need surgical procedures in addition to radiation and chemotherapy. This is to remove the cause and reduce the risk of recurrence.

And in the case of severe bleedingThe doctor may usually resort to using some techniques in order to stop the bleeding, such as:

• Endoscopy
• Angiography in order to inject medication into the blood vessels to reduce bleeding.
• Or the doctor may resort to treating the bleeding site using a laser or electric current (a device that passes electrical current to stop the bleeding).

Now that you know the causes of blood in the stool, which may result from inconvenient, harmless causes such as hemorrhoids, or more serious causes such as colon and rectal cancer. It is important that you consult a doctor in the event that you or a member of your family is exposed to bloody stools, in order to avoid any possible complications.