Orange-Red Water in Toilet: Causes and Concerns

The toilet water is orange-red?

Hello Doctor, over the past few months, I've occasionally noticed orange-red liquid next to my stool after having a bowel movement (the stool itself and the color when wiping are normal brownish-yellow).
A few days before experiencing this symptom, I had eaten some carrots and pumpkin, but not in large amounts.
I wanted to ask what could be causing this? Could it be bleeding? I had a colonoscopy two and a half years ago, which showed only mild internal hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome.
This orange-red condition shouldn't be colon cancer, right? Do I still need to have a colonoscopy? Thank you, Doctor.

Nìngmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/02

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, it is true that consuming certain food colorings, such as those found in carrots, can cause stool to appear discolored, making it difficult to distinguish from actual blood.
However, if there is gastrointestinal bleeding, the color is usually dark red or bright red, rather than orange-red.
To confirm, it is advisable to first perform a fecal occult blood test.
If the result is positive, further evaluation with a colonoscopy may be necessary.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2021/09/02

More Info

The presence of orange-red water near your stool can be concerning, and it’s understandable that you want to get to the bottom of it. Based on your description, there are a few potential explanations for this phenomenon, and I will outline them below.

1. Dietary Factors: You mentioned that you had consumed carrots and pumpkin a few days prior to noticing the orange-red water. Both of these foods are rich in beta-carotene, which can give a bright orange hue to bodily fluids, including urine and potentially even stool. While this is usually harmless, it’s worth considering how much you consumed and whether it could be contributing to the discoloration.

2. Hemorrhoids: Given your history of internal hemorrhoids, it’s possible that the orange-red water could be related to minor bleeding from these hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can cause bright red blood to appear in the stool or on toilet paper, and if there is any bleeding, it could mix with the water, giving it a reddish tint. However, the color you describe is more orange-red, which may not be typical for fresh blood.

3. Infection or Inflammation: Conditions such as infections or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) could also lead to changes in stool color and consistency. If there is any inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, it could potentially lead to bleeding, which might mix with the stool or water.
4. Other Gastrointestinal Issues: While it’s less common, other gastrointestinal issues could lead to changes in stool color. For example, diverticulitis or polyps can sometimes cause bleeding, and while you had a colonoscopy two and a half years ago, it’s important to remember that new growths or changes can occur over time.

5. Colon Cancer: While you expressed concern about the possibility of colon cancer, it’s important to note that the symptoms of colon cancer often include changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal discomfort. Given your previous colonoscopy findings, the likelihood of colon cancer being the cause of the orange-red water is lower, but it is not impossible.
Given these considerations, it would be prudent to monitor the situation closely. If the orange-red water persists, or if you experience any additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or weight loss, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy or other diagnostic tests to rule out any serious conditions.

In summary, while dietary factors and hemorrhoids are likely culprits for the orange-red water you are observing, it is essential to remain vigilant and seek medical advice if the symptoms continue or worsen. Regular check-ups and communication with your healthcare provider are key to maintaining gastrointestinal health, especially considering your previous history of gastrointestinal issues.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Orange-Red Toilet Water: Possible Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor, recently I had a day when my bowel movement consisted of only small pieces of stool. However, I noticed that after urinating, the toilet water appeared to have an orange-red pigment leaching from the stool, turning the toilet water yellow, with some parts resembling...

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
You have not clarified or assessed the conditions of your stool/urine and dietary habits, and medically, there is no specific indication of a higher risk for colorectal cancer. However, you are concerned and believe that an examination is necessary to completely rule it out.

Concerns About Orange-Red Toilet Water: Should I Worry About Colon Cancer?

Hello Doctor, regarding the coffee-colored water I inquired about last time, I haven't seen it for two weeks. However, today after using the restroom for the second time, I noticed that the toilet water seemed to have a slight orange-red color. I checked my stool and the toi...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
It is not possible to determine if there is blood in the stool just by looking at it, unless the amount of bleeding is significant. If you have a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer, your risk is the same as that of the general population. At 21 years old, I believe ther...

Understanding Orange Stool: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology

Last night, while using the restroom, I felt a bit of urgency and decided to sit a little longer until I finished my bowel movement. When I wiped, I noticed orange-yellow stains on the toilet paper and thought I might not have wiped thoroughly. The next day, I found an orange-yel...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It may just be mucus secretion from the colon; further observation is recommended.

Understanding Stool Color Changes: Causes and Concerns for Patients

Hello Doctor, I have internal hemorrhoids and have been applying medication regularly. I have also had a fecal occult blood test that came back negative. However, for the past two months, I have noticed that if my stool is soaked in water for more than ten minutes, the water arou...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
The reason feces are brown is due to the presence of bile pigments mixed with food residues. After being soaked in water for a long time, bile pigments can dissolve, resulting in an orange color, which is not caused by bleeding. As long as the fecal occult blood test shows a nega...