Abdominal Pain and Blood in Stool: Possible Causes Explained

Abdominal pain with bowel movements accompanied by blood in the stool?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal pain for the past week, with bowel movements occurring about three times (not consecutively).
On the first day, I had three bowel movements, and subsequently, I have been having one bowel movement each day.
However, my most recent bowel movement had a slight presence of blood (similar to blood mixed with mucus).
The consistency of my stool has been mostly normal, with only one instance of slightly watery stool.
The abdominal pain subsided after the bowel movement.
Additionally, I have not experienced such issues in the past, and I currently do not have any stress or anxiety.
The only change in my routine is that I just returned from the United States last week, and I have been struggling with jet lag, which has caused some instability in my schedule.
While in the U.S., my diet was relatively greasy, but I did not experience any symptoms at that time.
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor what could be the possible causes of abdominal pain and bowel movements accompanied by blood.
Thank you!

R, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/26

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Based on your description, it seems more like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
It is recommended to start with a light diet and maintain a good daily routine.
Spicy, irritating, and greasy foods should be avoided.
If symptoms persist without improvement, you may consult a physician for medication or to undergo a colonoscopy.

Reply Date: 2017/07/26

More Info

Abdominal pain accompanied by blood in the stool can be concerning and may indicate various underlying conditions. Given your recent symptoms, including abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and the presence of blood in your stool, it is essential to consider several potential causes.

1. Hemorrhoids: One of the most common causes of blood in the stool is hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They can cause pain and bleeding, especially during bowel movements. If you have been experiencing constipation or straining during bowel movements, this could lead to hemorrhoids.

2. Anal Fissures: These are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools. They can be quite painful and may also result in blood on the stool or toilet paper.

3. Gastrointestinal Infections: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea that may contain blood. This could be related to foodborne illnesses, especially if you consumed undercooked or contaminated food.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. These diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and may require further evaluation through colonoscopy or imaging studies.

5. Diverticulitis: This condition occurs when small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the walls of the colon become inflamed or infected. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits, including blood in the stool.

6. Polyps or Colorectal Cancer: Although less common, especially in younger individuals, polyps in the colon can bleed and may lead to blood in the stool. Colorectal cancer can also present with similar symptoms, particularly in older adults or those with a family history of the disease.

7. Dietary Changes: You mentioned a recent change in your diet, particularly a shift to a more oily diet while in the U.S. Dietary changes can affect bowel habits and may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or changes in stool consistency.

Given your symptoms and the fact that you have not experienced anything like this before, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider will likely perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, blood tests, and possibly imaging studies or a colonoscopy to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

In the meantime, it is advisable to maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber to help regulate your bowel movements and prevent constipation. Staying hydrated is also essential. Avoiding straining during bowel movements can help reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

In conclusion, while there are several potential causes for your symptoms, a proper medical evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying issue accurately. Please consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible to address your concerns and receive appropriate care.

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