Blood in Stool: Symptoms and When to See a Doctor - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Blood in Stool: Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

Hello： You can seek medical attention and undergo stool testing at Changhua Hospital. <br>Dr. <br>Tsai An-shun cares about your health.

Blood in the stool?

The frequency of my bowel movements is about once or twice a day, which is not much different from usual.
However, sometimes I feel the urge to defecate but only pass gas instead.
I have bowel movements approximately twice a week.
After eating, I experience abdominal bloating and pain, which improves after I have a bowel movement.
The appearance of my stool is a clay-yellow color and tends to be hard.
Occasionally, I notice small red specks on the stool, but generally, the visible color is clay-yellow.
Notably, there is almost a 50% chance that when I wipe after a bowel movement, the stool appears orange on the toilet paper.
Upon closer inspection, the stool on the paper usually seems to be mixed with blood, giving it an orange hue.
Only a few times do I see a distinct bright red streak on the paper, and there are also small, hard, bright red clots or tiny black dots.
Occasionally, there is mucus present (once in five bowel movements).
The consistency of my stool is typically normal four out of five times, with one instance of soft stool (which does not float).
The soft stool often contains undigested food (like corn and vegetables).
I have been monitoring my stool patterns for two months.
I have previously suspected that I might have irritable bowel syndrome, a malignant tumor, or hemorrhoids, but I am hesitant to jump to conclusions.
I would like to ask what my symptoms might indicate and how I should explain my condition to a doctor.
Thank you.

Lin Tongxue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/30

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: You can seek medical attention and undergo stool testing at Changhua Hospital.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2018/04/30

More Info

Understanding blood in stool can be concerning, and it's important to approach this issue with a clear understanding of the potential causes and when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a variety of symptoms related to your bowel movements, including changes in stool color, consistency, and the presence of blood.

Firstly, the presence of blood in the stool can arise from several conditions, ranging from benign to serious. The fact that you observe red spots or streaks of blood on the stool or toilet paper suggests that the bleeding may be occurring in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the rectum or anus. Common causes of such bleeding include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or diverticular disease. Hemorrhoids, for instance, are swollen veins in the rectal area that can bleed during bowel movements, especially if the stool is hard or if there is straining involved.

The orange color you mentioned could be due to a mixture of stool and blood, which can sometimes appear orange when mixed. This could also indicate that there is some irritation or inflammation in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The presence of mucus occasionally can also indicate irritation or inflammation, which is often seen in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or infections.

Your description of experiencing abdominal pain and bloating after eating, along with the changes in stool consistency (hard stools and occasional soft stools), could suggest a functional gastrointestinal disorder such as IBS. IBS is characterized by a combination of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, which can include diarrhea and constipation.

Given that you have been monitoring these symptoms for two months, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. When you see a doctor, it is important to provide a detailed account of your symptoms. Here are some key points to mention:
1. Frequency and Consistency of Bowel Movements: Explain how often you are having bowel movements and describe the consistency (hard, soft, normal) and any changes you have noticed.

2. Presence of Blood: Describe the nature of the blood you have seen (bright red, dark, mixed with stool, on toilet paper) and how often you observe it.

3. Associated Symptoms: Mention any other symptoms you experience, such as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in appetite, or any other gastrointestinal symptoms.

4. Dietary Habits: Discuss your diet and any recent changes, as certain foods can affect bowel habits and stool appearance.

5. Family History: If there is a family history of gastrointestinal diseases, it would be relevant to mention this as well.

In terms of when to see a doctor, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent blood in the stool
- Significant changes in bowel habits
- Severe abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Symptoms of anemia (such as fatigue, weakness, or pale skin)
Your healthcare provider may recommend tests such as a stool analysis, colonoscopy, or imaging studies to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, especially if there is a concern for more serious conditions.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be indicative of a benign condition, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any serious issues and to receive appropriate treatment. Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms will aid your doctor in making an accurate diagnosis and developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Blood in Stool: When to See a Doctor for Concerns

Hello, doctor. I have regular bowel movements every 2 to 3 days. Recently, I've noticed a small amount of bright red blood at the end of my stool on the 6th, 1st, and 3rd days. For example, this afternoon I had a bowel movement without blood, but just now in the evening, the...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, For a 40-year-old male with rectal bleeding, differential diagnoses include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, colitis, and colorectal cancer. It is recommended to follow up with a colorectal or gastroenterology clinic to confirm whether the diagnosis is hemorrhoids. Pr...

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. I am a 19-year-old college student. Recently, I have been experiencing blood in my stool frequently, sometimes a lot, resembling urine in flow, and at other times just a small amount on the toilet paper. Sometimes I see blood during bowel movements, and sometimes I...

Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If there is blood in the stool and significant bleeding, it is important to see a gastroenterologist for an examination as soon as possible. The causes may include hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, or colonic ulcers, among others, and should not be taken lightly. Otherwise, it coul...

Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention

I am not someone who has a bowel movement every day, but about two weeks ago, I started experiencing bloody stools. At first, it was occasional, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, starting this week, I have had bloody stools every day, and there are also blood st...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Blood in the stool or changes in bowel habits, including alterations in stool shape or consistency, are abnormal gastrointestinal function changes. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterology department for further evaluation.

Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello Doctor: I recently visited the doctor due to discomfort in my stomach. The doctor conducted blood tests, an ultrasound, and a fecal occult blood test, all of which were normal. However, over the past two days, I have noticed a small amount of blood at the tip of my stool, a...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If new symptoms arise, you can return for further evaluation. However, the more likely conditions are anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or proctitis, with cancer being a very rare possibility. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.