What are the common causes of blood in stool. How is blood in stool diagnosed. What symptoms are associated with bloody stools. Which treatment options are available for blood in stool.

Understanding Blood in Stool: An Overview

Blood in stool, medically known as hematochezia, is a condition that can range from benign to potentially life-threatening. It occurs when blood is present in the feces, which can be visible to the naked eye or detected through specialized tests. The appearance of blood can vary from bright red to dark, tarry substances, depending on the location and severity of the bleeding within the digestive tract.

While the sight of blood in your stool can be alarming, it’s essential to understand that not all cases indicate a severe condition. However, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Types of Bloody Stools

• Bright red blood: Often indicates bleeding in the lower digestive tract
• Dark, tarry stools (melena): Suggests bleeding in the upper digestive tract
• Occult blood: Not visible to the naked eye, detected through specific tests

Common Causes of Blood in Stool

There are numerous potential causes of blood in stool, ranging from minor issues to more serious conditions. Understanding these causes can help you better communicate with your healthcare provider and make informed decisions about your health.

Less Serious Causes

• Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus
• Anal fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus
• Food poisoning: Bacterial infections that can cause gastrointestinal distress
• Constipation: Straining during bowel movements can lead to minor bleeding

More Serious Causes

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Colon polyps: Benign growths that can potentially become cancerous
• Colorectal cancer: Malignant tumors in the colon or rectum
• Diverticular disease: Pouches in the colon wall that can become inflamed or infected
• Peptic ulcers: Open sores in the stomach or upper small intestine

Are certain individuals more prone to experiencing blood in their stool? Yes, some risk factors can increase the likelihood of this condition:

• Age (over 50 years old)
• Family history of gastrointestinal disorders or colorectal cancer
• Previous episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Chronic use of certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, blood thinners)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking

Recognizing Symptoms Associated with Blood in Stool

While blood in stool is a symptom itself, it often occurs alongside other signs that can provide valuable information about the underlying cause. Being aware of these associated symptoms can help you and your healthcare provider reach an accurate diagnosis more quickly.

Common Symptoms

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Fatigue or weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pale skin (indicative of anemia)
• Shortness of breath

Is it possible to have blood in stool without any other symptoms? Indeed, some individuals may experience blood in their stool without any accompanying symptoms, especially in cases of minor bleeding or certain conditions like hemorrhoids. However, the absence of other symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean the condition is less serious, which is why medical evaluation is crucial.

Diagnostic Approaches for Blood in Stool

When blood is detected in the stool, healthcare providers employ various diagnostic methods to determine the underlying cause. The choice of diagnostic tools depends on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and initial physical examination findings.

Common Diagnostic Tests

1. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): Detects hidden blood in stool samples
2. Digital rectal examination: Physical examination of the rectum and anal area
3. Colonoscopy: Examination of the entire colon using a flexible, lighted tube
4. Sigmoidoscopy: Similar to colonoscopy but examines only the lower part of the colon
5. Upper endoscopy: Examination of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine
6. Capsule endoscopy: Involves swallowing a small camera to visualize the small intestine
7. Imaging studies: Such as CT scans or MRI to visualize the digestive tract

How do doctors determine which diagnostic tests to use? The choice of tests depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, symptoms, medical history, and the suspected location of bleeding. For instance, if upper gastrointestinal bleeding is suspected, an upper endoscopy might be the first choice. In contrast, a colonoscopy might be preferred if the bleeding is thought to originate from the lower digestive tract.

Treatment Options for Blood in Stool

The treatment for blood in stool varies widely depending on the underlying cause. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

Common Treatment Approaches

• Lifestyle modifications: Dietary changes, increased fiber intake, and proper hydration
• Medications: Antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory drugs for IBD, or acid suppressants for ulcers
• Endoscopic procedures: Removal of polyps or cauterization of bleeding vessels
• Surgery: For more severe cases, such as advanced cancer or persistent bleeding
• Iron supplementation: To address anemia caused by chronic blood loss

Can blood in stool resolve on its own? In some cases, particularly those caused by minor issues like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, blood in stool may resolve without medical intervention. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions and receive appropriate treatment if necessary.

Preventing Blood in Stool: Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

While not all cases of blood in stool can be prevented, certain lifestyle and dietary changes can reduce the risk of developing this condition. Adopting these habits can also promote overall digestive health and well-being.

Preventive Measures

• Maintain a high-fiber diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water to prevent constipation
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity promotes healthy bowel function
• Avoid straining during bowel movements: This can help prevent hemorrhoids and anal fissures
• Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking: These habits can increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate certain digestive conditions
• Follow medication instructions: Use NSAIDs and other medications as directed by your healthcare provider

Is it possible to completely eliminate the risk of blood in stool? While it’s not possible to eliminate all risk factors, especially those related to genetics or age, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing conditions that cause blood in stool.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Blood in Stool

Knowing when to seek medical attention for blood in stool is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. While some cases may resolve on their own, others require immediate medical intervention.

Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Immediately

• Large amounts of blood in the stool
• Persistent bleeding (lasting more than a few days)
• Black, tarry stools
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid heart rate or difficulty breathing

Should you always consult a doctor if you notice blood in your stool? It’s generally advisable to consult a healthcare provider any time you notice blood in your stool, even if it’s a small amount. This is particularly important if you’re over 40 years old or have a family history of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal disorders.

Living with Chronic Conditions That Cause Blood in Stool

For individuals diagnosed with chronic conditions that can cause blood in stool, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or diverticular disease, managing the condition becomes an ongoing process. While it can be challenging, many people lead fulfilling lives with proper management and support.

Strategies for Managing Chronic Conditions

• Adhere to prescribed treatment plans: Take medications as directed and attend regular check-ups
• Monitor symptoms: Keep a journal to track flare-ups and identify potential triggers
• Follow a tailored diet: Work with a nutritionist to develop a diet plan that minimizes symptoms
• Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Join support groups: Connect with others who have similar conditions for emotional support and practical advice
• Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest research and treatment options for your condition

Can individuals with chronic conditions that cause blood in stool lead normal lives? With proper management and support, many people with chronic conditions like IBD or diverticular disease can lead fulfilling, active lives. While there may be challenges and limitations, working closely with healthcare providers and adopting appropriate lifestyle modifications can help maintain a good quality of life.

Understanding blood in stool, its causes, and treatment options is crucial for maintaining digestive health. By recognizing symptoms, seeking timely medical attention, and adopting preventive measures, individuals can effectively manage this condition and reduce its impact on their overall well-being. Remember, while blood in stool can be concerning, many cases are treatable, and with proper care, individuals can maintain a healthy digestive system and enjoy a high quality of life.

Blood in Stool | Primary Care

What is blood in the stool?

Blood found in your feces (stool), on toilet paper or in the toilet after a bowel movement is often times is harmless, but can signal a serious health condition. Blood in your stool is also sometimes discovered in routine diagnostic tests.

Causes of blood in stool

Less serious causes of blood in the stool include:

• Food poisoning — harmful bacteria in food can cause bloody stool
• Hemorrhoids — swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus
• Anal fissure — a tear in the lining of the anus

More serious causes of bloody stool include:

• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis
• Colon polyps — These usually harmless, benign growths form on the lining of the colon and can sometimes grow or become cancerous
• Colon or anal cancer

Risk factors for blood in stool

The risk of finding blood in your stool could increase if you have:

• A history of stomach bleeding or hemorrhoids
• Had previous peptic ulcers (open sores in the upper digestive tract)
• Undiagnosed or diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease
• A genetic, pre-disposed risk for colorectal or upper GI cancers

Symptoms of blood in stool

Blood present in the feces can appear bright red or black and tarry.

Symptoms that are often present in conjunction with blood in your stool are:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin

Diagnosis of blood in stool

A primary care doctor should evaluate you if you find blood in your stool. During a physical exam, your physician will ask a series of questions to try and determine the location of the bleeding. If the blood is bright red or maroon-colored, it could indicate a digestive tract issue such as hemorrhoids. If the blood is black or tarry, it could indicate an ulcer or other upper GI condition.

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may order a series of diagnostics including:

• Hemoccult test — this simple test may detect hidden blood in your stool, but cannot determine where the cause of bleeding.
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) — during this procedure, your doctor inserts an endoscope into the stomach to determine the source of the bleeding.
• Nasogastric lavage — helps your doctor see where the bleeding is occurring; during the procedure, the contents of the stomach are removed to determine if the stomach is bleeding, if there is not evidence of bleeding in the stomach, the cause of the bleeding is likely in the lower digestive tract.
• Colonoscopy — your doctor will insert a scope into the rectum to view the colon and collect tissue samples for biopsy.
• Enteroscopy — checks the small intestine for any abnormalities; your doctor will insert a tube with a camera attached into your mouth or rectum and threaded to the upper or lower digestive tract, as the camera passes through the digestive track, it takes images to help diagnose the location of the bleeding.
• Barium x-ray — barium is swallowed or inserted into the rectum, helping display the digestive system on an x-ray.
• Angiography — can determine the location of the bleeding in the digestive tract; during the procedure, a dye is injected into a vein so the vessels will show up on an x-ray or CT scan.

Treatment for blood in stool

Initial treatment for blood in the stool is to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding has stopped, your doctor will develop a plan to treat the cause of the bleeding.

Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend:

• Medication — antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or medications to suppress stomach acid are commonly prescribed to stop rectal bleeding
• Surgery — could be required to repair or remove digestive tract abnormalities

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Blood in Stool (Hematochezia): Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

Written by Mary Anne Dunkin

• Causes of Blood in Stool
• Blood in Stool Diagnosis
• Associated Symptoms
• Blood in Stool Treatments

Blood in the stool can be concerning, whether you discover it while wiping after a bowel movement or from a test ordered by your doctor.  

While blood in stool can signal a serious problem, it doesn’t always. Here’s what you need to know about the possible causes of bloody stools and what you — and your doctor — should do if you discover a problem.

Blood in the stool means there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. Sometimes the amount of blood is so small that it can only be detected by a fecal occult test (which checks for hidden blood in the stool). At other times it may be visible on toilet tissue or in the toilet after a bowel movement as bright red blood. Bleeding that happens higher up in the digestive tract may make stool appear black and tarry.

Possible causes of blood in the stool include:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you have bloody diarrhea and pain that goes on for weeks, along with weight loss, IBD might be the reason. This long-term condition inflames parts of your digestive tract. Experts aren’t sure exactly why that happens. There are two main kinds of IBD: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Ischemic colitis. This is when blood flow to your colon slows down or stops. The lack of oxygen causes damage to your intestine. The blockage can happen slowly over time, such as when cholesterol builds up in your arteries. Or it can happen all of a sudden from a blood clot or from a serious drop in your blood pressure. It can lead to bloody diarrhea. It usually also comes with abdominal pain that can be serious. The pain usually worsens when you eat.

Bacterial infections. Bloody diarrhea from IBD can last for a while if you don’t treat it. If it’s from a bacterial infection, it doesn’t usually last more than 2 weeks. It doesn’t come back after it gets better unless you catch the same infection again. Bacterial infections that can cause bloody diarrhea include E. coli., salmonella, shigella, and campylobacter.

Diverticular disease. Diverticula are small pouches that project from the colon wall. Usually diverticula don’t cause problems, but sometimes they can bleed or become infected.

Anal fissure. This is a small cut or tear in the tissue lining the anus similar to the cracks that occur in chapped lips or a paper cut. Fissures are often caused by passing a large, hard stool and can be painful.

Colitis. This is inflammation of the colon.

Angiodysplasia. This is a condition in which fragile, abnormal blood vessels lead to bleeding.

Peptic ulcer. This is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the upper end of the small intestine. Many peptic ulcers are caused by infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Long-term use or high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can also cause ulcers.

Polyps or cancer. Polyps are benign growths that can grow, bleed, and could become cancerous. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U. S. It often causes bleeding that is not noticeable with the naked eye.

Esophageal problems. Varicose veins of the esophagus or tears in the esophagus can lead to severe blood loss.

It is important to have a doctor evaluate any bleeding in the stool. Any details you can give about the bleeding will help your doctor locate the site of bleeding. For example, a black, tarry stool is likely an ulcer or other problem in the upper part of the digestive tract. Bright red blood or maroon-colored stools usually indicate a problem in the lower part of the digestive tract such as hemorrhoids or diverticulitis.

After getting a medical history and doing a physical exam, your doctor may order tests to determine the cause of bleeding. Tests may include:

Nasogastric lavage. This test might tell your doctor whether bleeding is in the upper or lower digestive tract. The procedure involves removing the contents of the stomach through a tube inserted into the stomach through the nose. If the stomach does not contain evidence of blood, the bleeding may have stopped or is more likely in the lower digestive tract.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). This is a procedure that involves inserting an endoscope, or flexible tube with a small camera on the end, through the mouth and down the esophagus to the stomach and duodenum. The doctor can use this to look for the source of bleeding. Endoscopy can also be used to collect small tissue samples (called a biopsy) for examination under a microscope.

Colonoscopy. This is similar to an EGD except the scope is inserted through the rectum to view the colon. As with an EGD, colonoscopy can be used to collect tissue samples to biopsy.

Enteroscopy. A procedure similar to EGD and colonoscopy used to examine the small intestine. In some cases this involves swallowing a capsule with a tiny camera inside that transmits images to a video monitor as it passes through the digestive tract.

Barium X-ray. This procedure uses a contrast material called barium to make the digestive tract show up on an X-ray. The barium may either be swallowed or inserted into the rectum.

Radionuclide scanning. This procedure involves injecting small amounts of radioactive material into a vein and then using a special camera to see images of blood flow in the digestive tract to detect where bleeding is happening.

Angiography. A special dye is injected into a vein to make blood vessels visible on an X-ray or CT scan. The procedure detects bleeding as dye leaks out of blood vessels at the bleeding site.

Laparotomy. This is a surgical procedure in which the doctor opens and examines the abdomen. This may be necessary if other tests fail to find the cause of bleeding.

Health care providers also order lab tests when there is blood in stools. These tests may look for clotting problems, anemia, and H. pylori infection.

A person with blood in the stool may be unaware of bleeding and might have reported no symptoms. On the other hand, they may also have abdominal pain, vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, palpitations, fainting, and weight loss depending on the cause, location, length, and severity of the bleeding.

A doctor can use one of several techniques to stop acute bleeding. Often, endoscopy is used to inject chemicals into the site of bleeding, treat the bleeding site with an electric current or laser, or apply a band or clip to close the bleeding vessel. If endoscopy does not control bleeding, the doctor may use angiography to inject medicine into the blood vessels to control bleeding.

Beyond stopping the immediate bleeding, if necessary, treatment involves addressing the cause of bleeding to keep it from returning. Treatment varies depending on the cause and may include medications such as antibiotics to treat H. pylori, ones to suppress acid in the stomach, or anti-inflammatory drugs to treat colitis. Surgery may be needed to remove polyps or the parts of the colon damaged by cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Depending on the cause, however, treatment may involve simple things you can do on your own. These include eating a high-fiber diet to relieve constipation that can cause and aggravate hemorrhoids and anal fissures, and taking a sitz bath, which means sitting in warm water to relieve fissures and hemorrhoids.

Your doctor will prescribe or recommend treatment based on the diagnosis.

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Bleeding with hemorrhoids – causes and treatment

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Causes of bleeding
3. What to do if there is bleeding

A disease such as hemorrhoids is very common. It is generally accepted that this is a disease of the elderly, but statistics say otherwise. Today, this diagnosis is given to young people of both sexes. A huge number of men and women ignore the symptoms of hemorrhoids, delay treatment and, as a result, face various complications. Among the key signs of this disease are rectal bleeding. The release of blood from the rectum can be expressed as single drops, and a full trickle. Quite often, bleeding occurs during or after the act of defecation.

Causes of bleeding

To understand why hemorrhoids have become such a global problem, you need to pay attention to the lifestyle of a modern person. Surrounded by comfort, people rarely move enough during the day. Increasingly, the population is engaged in sedentary work, such as in offices. As a result, blood circulation suffers, and congestion forms in the pelvic organs. Against this background, the condition of the hemorrhoidal plexuses worsens. Blood continues to flow to them, but its outflow worsens. Therefore, the hemorrhoids increase in size, can become inflamed, fall out, be injured by feces with the release of blood. Frequent constipation is another reason so many people are diagnosed with hemorrhoids and experience actual bleeding. If the gastrointestinal tract is working normally, then the person’s stool will be quite soft and irregular. A balanced diet and a lack of fluids during the day hold the stool together. Passing through the intestine, they put pressure on enlarged hemorrhoids – as a result, a person can observe blood. In patients with external hemorrhoids, when external nodes located around the anus undergo pathological changes, bleeding is also possible. In cases where the disease is at a fairly advanced stage, the external bonds can be quite voluminous, they can easily be damaged by tight clothing or underwear.

Excessive load can also provoke bleeding. For example, this is possible if the patient lifts a heavy object or pushes excessively when going to the toilet. Regular bleeding depletes the body. In some patients, they cause iron deficiency anemia. This is especially evident in women, for pregnant women a high level of iron is critical.

What to do if there is blood

If you find traces of blood on toilet paper or underwear, have experienced bleeding when visiting the toilet, the first thing to do is to make an appointment with a doctor. A coloproctologist deals with the treatment of hemorrhoids and the elimination of unpleasant symptoms.

Based on the results of the diagnostic measures taken, the doctor will prescribe therapy. Treatment of hemorrhoids should always go in a complex. This means that without correcting the lifestyle and revising the diet, it will not be possible to get rid of bleeding. Conservative therapy of hemorrhoids involves the use of various drugs of local and systemic action. In order to restore the body with regular bleeding, the patient is prescribed vitamins and mineral complexes. Locally used drugs with a hemostatic effect, healing ointments and suppositories. If the patient is regularly worried about constipation, then he needs to restore the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In order to prevent constipation, a sufficient amount of dietary fiber should be present in the diet.

It is also necessary to monitor the drinking regimen, since dehydration leads to the bonding of feces. Bleeding hemorrhoids in some cases are removed. This can be done either by one of the minimally invasive techniques, or by radical surgical excision of tissues.

Q&A

No, it can’t. Hemorrhoids are a consequence of the expansion and deformation of the vascular walls, and not a neoplasm.

The danger of late treatment is that rectal cancer may be behind the discomfort and discharge!

Therefore, it is recommended to consult a proctologist as soon as possible, even if symptoms are minor.

Manifested by hemorrhoidal formation protruding from the anus, pain during defecation or physical activity, bleeding of varying intensity, often itching in the perianal area.

The problem is compounded by the fact that other serious pathologies, such as rectal cancer, have similar symptoms.

Therefore, it is strictly not recommended to self-medicate and, if symptoms are detected, consult a doctor immediately.

Drinking water alone will not eliminate the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

The fact is that in the large intestine, the microflora contributes to putrefaction and the formation of feces. They move due to peristalsis – undulating contractions of the smooth muscles of the intestine.

During the operation of the gastrointestinal tract, the walls of the colon constantly absorb incoming water. In the absence of a proper level of peristalsis, drinking even a large amount of water will not help, since the feces will linger in some areas for a long time and harden.

The most common complications are bleeding and hemorrhoid thrombosis. A strong pain syndrome indicates a possible pinching of the node.

In addition, patients often complain of itching, a feeling of pressure in the rectal area, an anal fissure and fistula may appear.

No! The medical center provides the necessary underwear that will help you feel comfortable during the procedure with a doctor. All consumables are included in the cost of the service.

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causes, what to do and which doctor to contact

The appearance of visible impurities of blood in the feces is always of great concern, because for some reason it is generally accepted in society that this is the main symptom of colon cancer. Blood in the feces is indeed an alarming signal that cannot be ignored, however, this symptom can be observed not only in intestinal oncology, but also in a number of other diseases.

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Causes of blood in stool

Stool with blood visible to the naked eye is most commonly seen with hemorrhoids, anal fissure, colorectal cancer, and colitis. It is noteworthy that the nature of rectal bleeding in each of these diseases has certain differences.

Hemorrhoids

Inflammatory disease of the hemorrhoidal veins of the rectum, accompanied by expansion and thrombosis of hemorrhoids.

Bloody discharge is usually scanty, bright scarlet or bright red. In rare cases, dark-colored blood or blood clots are observed. Distinctive feature: blood is not mixed with feces.

Other symptoms of hemorrhoids: pain, itching, a feeling of fullness in the rectum, prolapse of hemorrhoids to the outside.

anal fissure

Rupture of the mucous membrane of the anal (anal) canal, most often of traumatic origin.

The picture of bleeding resembles the symptoms of hemorrhoids: scarlet or red blood, not mixed with feces. The amount of blood is usually small, although blood loss can be significant in large fissures.

Other symptoms of anal fissure: pain during bowel movements, quickly subsiding after a bowel movement; occasionally, if the gap is inflamed – a feeling of fullness.

Colorectal cancer

A malignant tumor of one or more parts of the colon.

The blood may be red or pronounced black. A distinctive feature: blood is released at the beginning of the act of defecation, and not at the end, as with hemorrhoids or anal fissure. In some cases, a bloody color can acquire all the excreted feces as a whole.

Other symptoms of colorectal cancer: the presence of a large amount of mucus or pus in the feces, a specific smell of feces, soreness in the abdomen, stool disorders, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestines, flatulence, constant weakness and fatigue, sudden weight loss.

Ulcerative colitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine with the formation of ulcers (wounds).

Blood is always mixed with feces, but more often in the form of subtle inclusions or bloody mucus. In the later stages of the disease, blood or bloody mucus may be released even outside the act of defecation.

Other symptoms of ulcerative colitis: frequent and loose stools, with a fetid odor, sometimes with an admixture of pus; frequent urge to defecate; cramping pain in the abdomen, often on the left side; constant flatulence; general weakness and severe emaciation.

Other reasons

The presence of blood in the stool can be observed in some other diseases:

• stomach ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer;
• Crohn’s disease;
• intestinal polyps;
• syphilitic ulcers of the rectum;
• gonorrheal proctitis, etc.

A separate group of causes of bloody impurities in the feces should include various intestinal infectious diseases of a viral, bacterial or protozoal (parasitic) nature: dysentery, salmonellosis, botulism, enterovirus, rotavirus, cytomegalovirus, amoebiasis, etc. Each intestinal infection has its own specific clinical picture, but in general terms, the course of development of most intestinal infections resembles ulcerative colitis.

What to do if there is blood in the stool

There can be only one correct decision in such a situation – to immediately visit a proctologist who will conduct an examination, prescribe the necessary laboratory or instrumental studies, after which he will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Statistics show that about 60-70% of rectal bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids, which can be successfully treated by modern medicine, and therefore one should not immediately suspect cancer and delay a visit to the doctor because of fears of “hearing a bad diagnosis.”

Attention: any attempts to establish the cause of bloody stools on their own (so to speak, “according to symptoms”), followed by self-treatment, will only lead to an aggravation of the disease and a deterioration in the overall clinical prognosis, and therefore the Health Formula Medical Center strongly does not recommend postponing a visit to the doctor, if blood began to be observed in the feces after stools, even in the smallest quantities.