Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention

Blood in the stool?

Hello Doctor, last night while exercising, I suddenly felt the urge to have a bowel movement.
Since there were no restrooms nearby, I held it in and walked home, which took about 10 minutes.
During the walk, I had multiple urges to go, and towards the end, I felt some discomfort in my lower abdomen.
Once I got home, I rushed to the bathroom.
Before flushing, I noticed some fresh blood (a couple of short streaks) in the stool, but it was not mixed with the stool itself.
An hour later, I felt the urge again, and this time some of the stool appeared slightly pinkish, as if mixed with blood (initially there were 2 or 3 streaks, but the rest was normal).
The toilet water did not turn red.
This morning, during another bathroom visit, I also noticed a bit of pinkish color mixed with the stool, but it looked more like watermelon flesh (I had eaten quite a bit of watermelon yesterday afternoon).
I'm not sure if it was actually watermelon flesh, and again, the toilet water did not turn red.
Throughout these episodes, I did not experience any abdominal pain, and my bowel movements were smooth.
Recently, sometimes my stools have been somewhat formed but a bit loose, breaking apart in water shortly after, with visible food remnants (no abdominal pain), and I have not observed any bleeding.
After taking probiotics, my stool returns to normal, and I wonder if there is a connection between the two.
Should I go to the hospital for an examination, or should I just continue to monitor the situation? I am 185 cm tall and weigh 90 kg, with a normal diet and routine (going to bed by midnight, 2-3 times a week).
I usually have bowel movements 2-3 times a day, exercise for 30-60 minutes most days of the week (mainly walking or playing basketball), and drink about 2000-3000 ml of water daily.
Occasionally, I eat fried foods and I enjoy rice.
Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Danxin de ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/10

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery

Based on your description, the first instance of urgent bowel movements seems more like mucosal bleeding caused by rapid defecation.
Today's incident appears to be more related to consuming watermelon.
Therefore, you can continue to observe for any subsequent changes, and if any other symptoms arise, seek medical attention.

Reply Date: 2021/05/10

More Info

When it comes to the presence of blood in stool, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and awareness of potential underlying health issues. Based on your description, you experienced some blood in your stool after a period of holding in your bowel movement, which can sometimes lead to minor rectal bleeding due to straining or irritation. However, the presence of blood, even in small amounts, should not be overlooked.

Understanding Blood in Stool
Blood in the stool can manifest in various forms, such as bright red blood, dark red blood, or even a maroon color. The color can provide clues about the source of the bleeding. Bright red blood typically indicates bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the rectum or anus, while darker blood may suggest bleeding from higher up in the digestive system. In your case, the blood appeared as streaks and mixed with your stool, which could indicate a minor issue, but it is still important to monitor the situation closely.

When to Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
1. Persistent or Increasing Bleeding: If the blood in your stool continues or increases in quantity, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

2. Accompanying Symptoms: If you develop additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits, these could indicate a more serious condition.

3. Signs of Anemia: Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or pale skin could suggest that you are losing blood and may need to be evaluated for anemia.

4. Changes in Bowel Habits: If you notice significant changes in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

5. Family History of Gastrointestinal Issues: If you have a family history of gastrointestinal diseases, such as colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, it is wise to be more vigilant.

Possible Causes
The presence of blood in your stool could be due to several factors, including:
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum that can bleed during bowel movements.

- Anal Fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by straining.

- Diverticular Disease: Small pouches that can form in the colon wall and may bleed.

- Gastrointestinal Infections: Certain infections can lead to inflammation and bleeding.

- Polyps or Tumors: Abnormal growths in the colon can sometimes bleed.

Dietary Considerations
You mentioned consuming a significant amount of watermelon, which could explain the appearance of what looked like fruit in your stool. Foods can sometimes affect the color and consistency of stool, and it is possible that the watermelon contributed to the unusual appearance. However, if the blood persists, it is essential to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Conclusion
Given your active lifestyle, normal dietary habits, and the absence of severe symptoms, it may be reasonable to monitor your condition for a short period. However, if you notice any worsening of symptoms or if the blood continues to appear, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. A doctor may recommend tests such as a stool analysis, colonoscopy, or imaging studies to determine the cause of the bleeding and provide appropriate treatment if necessary. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns, especially those involving potential bleeding.

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