Blood in Stool: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help

Q: Blood in Stool: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello： The likelihood of gastroenteritis is higher, and if there is a clear presence of blood in the stool, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to avoid the risk of a severe bacterial infection that could delay treatment and lead to sepsis. <br>Changhua Hospital

Rectal bleeding

Hello, doctor! Let me describe my situation.
For the past three days, I woke up one morning with abdominal pain, and after going to the bathroom, I experienced diarrhea.
Initially, I thought the abdominal pain and diarrhea were normal, but then I started having frequent trips to the bathroom, and it was all diarrhea.
At first, it felt like I needed to go urgently, and I was afraid it would suddenly come out uncontrollably.
The first day was somewhat normal in terms of food intake, so there was still some solid stool, but later it was all liquid, and it seemed like there was blood in the stool because the color in the toilet was dark, and there was no solid stool.
If there was any, it looked like undigested food remnants, but it was very little—so little that I had to stir it with something to see it.
Since the first day, every time I drank water or ate something, I would soon feel the urge to go to the bathroom, and it felt like nothing was being absorbed; everything that came out was just liquid.
Even the next day, there was still no solid stool, and it felt like it was all blood and water.
The toilet paper after wiping didn’t look like it had blood; it was more yellowish, like mango yellow, and there wasn’t much solid stool to describe—just mostly liquid.
I looked online about colon cancer, stomach cancer, gastroenteritis, etc., and I feel like there might be a chance of having a serious tumor.
Is that possible? It has been three days now, and so far, I haven’t had a fever; I’ve been measuring my ear temperature, and it’s only reached close to 37 degrees Celsius.
The first two days, I had bowel sounds, but after taking probiotics, the bowel sounds have decreased.
Initially, I had more abdominal pain, but today, on the third day, I’ve only experienced cramping pain a couple of times, and it doesn’t come with the urge to go.
I’m hesitant to eat because during work hours, I’m afraid that I’ll need to run to the bathroom shortly after eating.
Today, I drank some electrolyte solution and water, and I didn’t feel the urge to have diarrhea.
I thought my condition was improving, so I had fried rice for dinner, but I’m not sure if it’s psychological or due to my stomach discomfort or the hot weather, but I only ate half of a lunch box.
After going to the bathroom, again, there was no solid stool, just blood and water.
I’ve also lost over 1 kilogram, almost 2 kilograms in these two days...
I’m not sure if this means I might have cancer.

KZK, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/06

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: The likelihood of gastroenteritis is higher, and if there is a clear presence of blood in the stool, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to avoid the risk of a severe bacterial infection that could delay treatment and lead to sepsis.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2022/08/06

More Info

When it comes to the presence of blood in stool, it is essential to understand that this symptom can arise from various causes, some of which may be serious. Given your description of experiencing diarrhea with blood, abdominal pain, and significant changes in bowel habits over the past three days, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Possible Causes of Blood in Stool
1. Gastrointestinal Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can lead to diarrhea and may cause blood in the stool. Common pathogens include E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella. These infections often accompany symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool.

3. Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis: Diverticula are small pouches that can form in the colon wall. If these become inflamed or infected (diverticulitis), they can cause bleeding.

4. Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus can bleed, especially during bowel movements. However, this usually results in bright red blood rather than dark or "blood water."
5. Polyps or Colorectal Cancer: Polyps are growths on the lining of the colon that can bleed. While not all polyps are cancerous, some can develop into colorectal cancer, which may present with blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss.

6. Gastric or Duodenal Ulcers: Ulcers can bleed and lead to dark, tarry stools or blood in the stool.

When to Seek Help
Given that you have experienced these symptoms for three days, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately. Blood in the stool, especially when accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain, can indicate a serious condition that requires prompt evaluation. Here are some specific signs that warrant immediate medical attention:
- Persistent or worsening abdominal pain
- High fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C)
- Signs of dehydration (such as dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urine output)
- Blood in the stool that is dark or tarry, or large amounts of bright red blood
- Significant weight loss

Diagnostic Approach
Upon visiting a healthcare provider, they may perform several diagnostic tests, including:
- Physical Examination: To assess abdominal tenderness and other signs of distress.

- Blood Tests: To check for signs of infection, anemia, or other abnormalities.

- Stool Tests: To identify any infectious agents.

- Imaging Studies: Such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the gastrointestinal tract.

- Endoscopy: A procedure to directly visualize the gastrointestinal tract and possibly obtain biopsies.

Conclusion
While it is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of serious conditions such as cancer, it is essential to avoid jumping to conclusions without proper medical evaluation. Many gastrointestinal issues can be treated effectively, especially when caught early. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and receive appropriate treatment.

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