Red Substance After Bowel Movement: What Could It Be?

Noticing red substances after bowel movements?!

I have a question: My 26-year-old daughter has no family history of colorectal cancer.
She has been experiencing diarrhea for the past few days, and on several occasions, she noticed small red spots resembling tomato skin or chili skin while wiping.
I don't think it's typical blood because it doesn't disappear or shrink when wiped.
What could this be? I haven't eaten anything red in the past few days.
Could it be something growing in her intestines? (She had a normal fecal occult blood test in February.)

Irene, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/03/27

Dr. Xu Ruihong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

I suspect that the most likely cause of the bleeding (in small amounts) is hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

Reply Date: 2003/03/27

More Info

When you notice a red substance after a bowel movement, it can understandably cause concern, especially if you have experienced diarrhea recently. In your case, given your age (26 years old) and the absence of a family history of colorectal cancer, there are several possibilities to consider regarding the red substance you observed.

Firstly, the red substance could be remnants of undigested food. Foods such as tomatoes, red peppers, or even certain fruits can sometimes pass through the digestive system without being fully broken down, leading to their appearance in your stool. If you have consumed these foods recently, it is possible that the red spots you see are simply food particles rather than blood.

Another possibility is that the red substance could be related to the irritation of the intestinal lining due to diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, which might lead to the shedding of some mucosal tissue. This could manifest as small red flecks in your stool.
It's also important to consider the nature of the red substance. You mentioned that it does not behave like blood when you wipe it; it does not smear or change in appearance. This observation is significant because fresh blood typically has a different consistency and appearance compared to food remnants. Blood from the lower gastrointestinal tract, for instance, can appear bright red and may smear when wiped, while food particles will generally remain intact.

Given that you had a normal fecal occult blood test in February, this is reassuring. However, if you are experiencing ongoing diarrhea, it may be worthwhile to consult with a healthcare provider. Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and may require treatment. Additionally, your doctor may want to investigate further to rule out any underlying conditions, such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or food intolerances.

In summary, the red substance you are observing is likely to be food remnants or tissue from irritation rather than blood, especially considering your recent dietary habits and the nature of the substance. However, if you continue to experience diarrhea or if you notice any other concerning symptoms (such as significant abdominal pain, weight loss, or changes in bowel habits), it would be prudent to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a review of your dietary habits, and possibly further testing to ensure your gastrointestinal health is intact.

Similar Q&A

Red Mucus After Bowel Movement: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?

A few days ago, my bowel movements were normal (formed, yellow-brown in color, sometimes slightly darker). I have been consuming dairy (cereal with milk) and recently ate more fried foods (I had steak the day before yesterday and yesterday I had Mos Burger's Japanese-style f...

Dr. Zhang Shuhao reply Surgery
If there is a sudden onset of minimal bleeding without accompanying abdominal symptoms or melena, it is usually caused by hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is advisable to first observe the pattern of the bleeding, take warm sitz baths, and reduce the intake of irritating foods. If the b...

Understanding Red Stains in Stool: Causes and Remedies

Hello, Doctor: 1. Sometimes when I wipe after a bowel movement, there is a little bit of red (but it's not fresh blood; the first wipe shows it, and by the second wipe, it’s just the normal stool color). It has been about a month since the last occurrence, but it happened ...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. Red vegetable fibers are usually present in the stool. 2. If the issue is unclear, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist, and self-medication is not recommended. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.

Understanding Blood-Streaked Mucus After Bowel Movements: What to Know

Hello, Doctor. Since giving birth to my first child in 2018, over the past six months to a year (my memory is quite vague), I've noticed that after having a bowel movement, when I go to urinate, I sometimes expel a small amount of hard, coin-sized mucus, about the size of a ...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Internal hemorrhoids are common in adults, but the difference lies in whether symptoms are present. Bright red blood is mostly caused by internal hemorrhoids. If there is a family history, it is appropriate to undergo a colonoscopy. After the colonoscopy, we can determine the sub...

Blood After Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns Explained

In the past couple of days, I have noticed blood stains, approximately bright red to pink in color, on toilet paper after bowel movements. The area is not large, about the size of a small coin, slightly larger than a grain of rice. I also experience a tingling, itchy pain around ...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A 25-year-old female has noticed small blood stains on toilet paper after bowel movements, and she has been experiencing more frequent bowel movements over the past two days. Common causes of rectal bleeding include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, p...