Blood in Stool

About the Symptom

Bloody stools describes a condition where blood can be seen in the stool. The blood may be fresh, bright red or clotted. It can be as minor as only visible on the paper all the way to mixed in with the stool or freely dripping from the anus.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Blood in stool

Possible Causes

Generally, Blood in stool can be related to:

• Ischemic Colitis

  This is a severe condition where the blood supply to the large intestine is significantly reduced, causing inflammation and damage to the large intestine.

• Ulcerative Colitis

  An inflammatory condition of the large intestine that damages the gut wall. The exact cause is not well known.

• Anal Fissure

  Anal Fissure, also known as an anal tear, is a common condition characterized by a small tear or cut in the lining of the anus. It is often caused by trauma to the anal area during bowel movements, such as passing hard stools or excessive straining. Symptoms include intense pain, bleeding, and itching. Risk factors include chronic constipation, diarrhea, obesity, and pregnancy.

• Anal Cancer
• Hemorrhoid

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Blood in stool may be related to these serious diseases:

• Ischemic Enteritis

  A condition in which the gut wall is damaged due to insufficient blood supply. Causes include low blood pressure, medications, or clots from the heart.

• Diverticular Bleeding
• Amebic Dysentery
• Intussusception
• Perianal Abscess

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Do you have blood in your stool?
• How long have you had blood in your stool?
• How has the presence of blood in stool changed over time?
• Have you experienced blood in your stool before?
• Did you have red, sticky stool resembling strawberry jam or currant jelly?

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