Blood in the Stool: Why and What To Do?

Published at 29 October 2024

Blood in the stool is a medical condition that requires immediate attention and careful medical evaluation by a doctor. This problem can have multiple causes; Including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, gastrointestinal infections, or tumors.

What causes blood in stool?

We are concerned when blood appears in the stool, as this is usually associated with bleeding in different areas of the digestive system, such as the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The presence of blood in the stool can indicate several problems, such as hemorrhoids, and may also indicate serious conditions such as cancer. (1)

1.Hemorrhoids

It is the most common cause of blood in the stool. Hemorrhoids are defined as inflamed and swollen veins inside the anus and rectum, caused by constipation, lifting heavy objects, sitting for long periods, or pregnancy. You may notice a red color appearing in the stool, or blood in the toilet, or on the toilet paper. It is often accompanied by pain and itching. (2)(3)

2.Anal fissure

An anal fissure is a small tear in the tissue lining the rectum, often caused by severe constipation and passing very hard stools. (1) Anal fissures can cause bleeding and a feeling of tightness, tearing, or burning during and after a bowel movement. (2)

3.Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune disease; The immune system attacks the tissues of the digestive system, causing inflammation and damage. It includes two types: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Its symptoms include blood in the stool, accompanied by severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, general fatigue and exhaustion, and weight loss. (4)(5)

4.Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis)

Diverticula are small pouches that form in the wall of the colon, and do not cause any problems unless they become inflamed and infected, which causes blood to pass through the stool, in addition to the following symptoms: (6)

Constipation or diarrhea.
Tummy ache.
Fever.
nausea.

5.Other reasons

Other causes of blood in the stool include:

Peptic ulcers: These are ulcers that can occur in the stomach and duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). (4)

Food poisoning: It is an infection of the stomach or intestines caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites. This condition can cause bloody diarrhea along with nausea and vomiting. Symptoms often improve two weeks after infection. (3)

Side effects of some medications: the most famous of which are blood thinners, examples of which include warfarin and aspirin. (3)

Esophageal problems: such as varicose veins in the esophagus or esophageal tears, which can cause severe bleeding. (3)

Endometriosis: It is a condition characterized by the growth of parts of the uterine lining out of place, which may reach parts of the digestive system. Which leads to blood coming out with the stool. (3)

Bacterial colitis: Some types of bacterial infections cause bleeding in the colon and bloody diarrhea that disappear after several days. (1)

Sexually transmitted infections (STD): such as gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and AIDS, which may affect the digestive system, especially the rectum and anus. (4)

Angiodysplasia: This is a disorder that causes weakness of the blood vessels of the digestive system. This condition affects individuals with advanced kidney disease or kidney failure. (4)

Colon polyps: They are a small mass that forms on the colon wall. Colon polyps often do not cause any problems, but over time they may develop and cause blood in the stool. (2)

Colorectal cancer: It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as: diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, general fatigue and exhaustion, noticeable weight loss, and others. (6)

What should I do if I see blood in my stool?

If you notice blood in your stool, bleeding from the rectum, or a change in the color of your stool to dark, you must immediately go to the doctor, who will ask you about the nature of the symptoms you are experiencing and your medical history, conduct a comprehensive physical examination, and order a series of tests and an endoscopy of the digestive system. In order to accurately determine the cause. (2)(4)

Noticing blood in your stool? Don’t delay—this could be a sign of an underlying condition. Schedule a visit with one of our specialists at Al-Ahli Hospital for a thorough evaluation and the care you need.