It can be alarming to notice blood in the toilet after a bowel movement. Blood in the stool is not always a sign of a serious medical condition, but it is important to speak to your doctor if you experience it. This article will discuss what causes blood in stool, and when you should seek medical attention.
Blood in Stool
Blood in the stool is usually a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. This can be a sign of a serious medical condition, but it is important to understand that it does not always mean that there is something wrong. Blood can occur in the stool due to a number of different causes, some of which are not serious.
Causes of Bloody Stool
- Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus, and can cause bleeding when passing stool.
- Anal fissures: Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus, which can cause bleeding when passing stool.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases: Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to bleeding in the stool.
- Gastrointestinal infections: Infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, can cause inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to blood in the stool.
- Colon cancer: Colon cancer is a serious medical condition that can cause bleeding in the stool.
In conclusion, blood in the stool can be a sign of a serious medical condition, but it can also be caused by non-serious issues. It is important to speak to your doctor if you experience any bleeding in the stool, as they will be able to determine the cause and provide treatment if necessary.
Approximately three out of four adults will experience rectal bleeding due to a medical condition at some point in their lives. However, if you recently noticed blood when wiping yourself after a bowel movement, you may be worried about the cause of your condition.
The medical term for rectal bleeding is hematochezia, and it can have a variety of causes. The most common of these are anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and colitis. Anal fissures, or tears in the anus, are caused by the passing of hard stools and can cause the anus to bleed. Hemorrhoids, or swollen veins in the anus and rectum, are also a common cause of rectal bleeding and can occur due to straining during bowel movements, constipation, pregnancy, and sitting for long periods of time. Colitis is also known to cause rectal bleeding and is caused by an inflamed large intestine.
The presence of blood in stool needs to be evaluated by a doctor for a correct diagnosis. If the bleeding is minor, it is recommended to modify the diet, drinking more fluids and eating more fruits and vegetables, as well as avoiding foods that increase irritation in the digestive system, such as hot and spicy foods, caffeine, and nicotine. If the bleeding persists, it is recommended to see a doctor. Medications, such as laxatives and stool softeners, can be prescribed to relief constipation. In other cases, surgery may be necessary.
In conclusion, rectal bleeding, or hematochezia, can have a variety of causes, ranging from anal fissures to colitis. If you notice blood after wiping, it is recommended to modify your diet and drinking more fluids, and to consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis and proper treatment.
