Blood in stool is often discovered with some fear, accompanied appropriately by exclamations of bloody (the adjective, not the expletive). Feces are covered with scarlet red drops of blood. Toilet tissue is stained by maroon red blotches of blood. Down the legs and into the toilet bowl drips bright red spots of blood. Quite naturally, alarm bells ring and cause a sudden surge of confusion.

It is definitely premature to panic for any number of 7 possibilities could explain the rectal bleeding. Close attention to ensure early detection and correct treatment will mitigate any disruptive lifestyle changes as the majority of the 7 causes are healable. Do not be unconcerned. Begin monitoring closely. Without delay, consult your doctor if bleeding and pain lasts for more than a week.

Suitable treatment can be administered to resolve the problem once proper diagnosis spots the exact illness. More devastatingly, blood in stool may be due to some kind of cancer.

Hematochezia and Melena

Medical circles refer to the bleeding as hematochezia (bright red or maroon colored blood) or melena (black colored tarry or sticky stools) or normally the less technical term, rectal bleeding. Whilst known as rectal bleeding because the exit is the rectum, the origins of the blood may be any of 7 causes in the colon (large intestine). In the colon, the 7 known causes are cancer, colon polyps, diverticulosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, intestinal ischaemia and peptic ulcer.

Colorectal Cancer

With an annual worldwide fatality toll of 640,000, colorectal cancer ranks as the 3rd most prevalent cancer and also the 3rd leading reason for death. For this very reason one must see a doctor for frequent blood in stool.

Tumours in the colon, appendix and rectum are classified as colorectal cancer. Surgical removal and chemotherapy are established treatment for colorectal cancer which is primarily discovered by colonoscopy (visual inspection by micro-camera introduced via the anus. Total healing is possible with early discovery. Those over 50 and those with family history of cancers are classified under the higher risk group. Among the top killer cancers, colorectal cancer strikes both men and women indifferently..

This next point bears taking note. Unlike what you may have read elsewhere, colorectal cancer commonly results in occult (invisible to the naked eye) blood in feces i.e it is NOT a routine cause of visible blood in stool! According to the University of Michigan Health System, colorectal cancer does cause bleeding but special tests are requisite to authenticate the presence of occult blood. Critical accompanying symptoms to watch out for are constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, appetite loss, weight loss and constant fatigue.

Colon Polyp

Attaching on the walls of the intestines or the rectum, polyps are ordinarily benign and may be raised or flat. They are likely to be present in those above 50 years of age and those with a family history of polyps and colorectal cancer. Contributory factors include lack of exercise, obesity, alcohol and smoking. It would seem that no one knows the true cause.

Whilst benign, polyps are normally excised during colonoscopy as they can become malignant. Many people who have polyps exhibit no symptoms at all. But on occasion, blood in stool happens.

Diverticulosis

This is the formation of pouches or pockets (diverticula), extending out of the colon wall. The reasons behind diverticula, whilst not straightforward, are assumed to be primarily abnormal colon pressure. A deficiency of dietary fiber is believed to be a contributory factor. Diverticulitis is an infection that may arise if food gets trapped in diverticula. If an infected diverticulum ruptures, bacteria will spread into the abdominal cavity leading to severe complications. The possibly deadly peritonitis can materialise.

Symptoms, if at all, are seldom noticeable. Mild cramps, constipation and bloating are some noted symptoms. Yet others suffer more seriously, including nausea, vomiting and rectal bleeding as the most common symptoms. The prospect of peritonitis emphasises the need that blood in stool should in the first instance be examined by a doctor. A CT (computed tomography) scan is 98% effectual in diagnosing diverticulitis.

Ulcerative Colitis

IBD or inflammatory bowel disease, by which colitis is categorized, affects the large intestine (colon) and the small intestine. Inflammation is a healthy reaction of the body when its tissues are injured. Inflammation is a double-edged sword, triggering off remedying of wounded tissue but causing tissue wounds if left uncontrolled. Wearing away of the mucous membrane lining, i.e. ulcers, can erupt to cause colitis in the colon.

Apart from other symptoms, blood in stool is characteristic. Identifying colitis as the reason for rectal bleeding is vital as it can result in perforation of the colon and ultimately, peritonitis.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease but is also an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system assails the gastrointestinal tract leading to harmful inflammation. It can occur anywhere in of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, the large intestine (colon) and small intestine, are the primary sites~But it generally affects the small and large intestine (colon)~The small and large intestine (colon), however, are the usual afflicted areas.

Contributory causes, though not absolutely identified, include smoking, genetic makeup and industrial environmental exposure. The symptoms are blood in stool, serious bloody diarrhea, blood in toilet bowl or on toilet tissue, fever and weight loss.

Occasionally reappearances for the duration of life or permanent remission both typecast Crohn’s disease, also termed as granulomatous colitis. At present, there is no known surgical or pharmaceutical solution for Crohn’s disease. Early diagnosis is imperative for effective control of the symptoms and preventing recurrences.

Intestinal Ischemia

The restriction of blood supply to any part of the body is termed as ischemia. Tissue damage ensues due to the denial of nutrients and oxygen by dysfunctional arteries. Causing inflammation of the large intestines, intestinal ischemia is a insufficiency blood supply that result from blood vessel constriction, blood clots and high blood pressure.

Symptoms include blood in stool, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, abdominal bloating, and violent bowel movements, weight loss, nausea and fever. Unrelenting pain necessitates immediate medical attention to rejuvenate regular blood supply to the intestinal tract. It may be crucial to surgically get around clogged blood vessels and excise blood clots and injured tissue. Medications include anticoagulants to avert blood clot formation and antibiotics to treat infections.

Peptic Ulcer

Found in the gastrointestinal tract, this is an immensely painful ulcer. At least 0.5cm in diameter, an ulcer is an wearing away of the mucosal membrane. The duodenum (initial part of the small intestine), and not the stomach, is where peptic ulcers are primarily found. Peptic ulcers are usually postulated to be caused by a bacterium that inflicts chronic gastritis.

Symptoms include blood in stool (melena), vomiting of blood, appetite and weight loss, bloating, nausea and more seriously, intestinal perforation. This can lead to potentially deadly peritonitis and needs emergency surgery. Antibiotics and antacids can be used to treat easier cases.

Hemorrhoids

If any of the 7 above causes is the reason for rectal bleeding, then it can only be confirmed by an accurate diagnosis by a doctor. Speedy recovery can be achieved with correct treatment, perhaps surgery, and medication.

If you have read all the way here, you will find some comfort, ironically, in knowing that the most frequent cause of blood in stool is either internal or external hemorrhoids.

Further Reading

If you are interested in finding more about this topic, we have a related post on Bowel Movement Bleeding - Six Possible Causes Of Rectal Bleeding at our site. Do check this out.