Red Residue in Stool: Causes and Concerns

Red residue in stool?

Hello Doctor: I had a normal bowel movement yesterday morning, but later in the evening, I might have eaten something too oily.
Shortly after taking probiotics, I experienced diarrhea.
Since I had diarrhea once before bed the previous night, I didn't feel the urge to have a bowel movement today.
In the evening, I felt a slight urge and tried to push a bit, but I wasn't sure if it was because I didn't really feel the need, so it was somewhat difficult to pass.
The stool was about 10 to 15 centimeters long and approximately the width of a 50 NT dollar coin.
There were some unformed pieces at the bottom of the toilet, and the surface of the stool had some red spots (the overall color of the stool was brownish).
There were also a few floating pieces in the water.
When wiping, I noticed a bit of red, resembling skin (it wasn't sticky and disappeared after about two wipes).
Aside from the red spots, there were no streaks of blood visible.
I remembered that I had eaten a convenience store salad for lunch, which included about 12 to 14 cherry tomatoes.
I would like to ask if this could be related to the cherry tomatoes.
I am somewhat overweight (118 kg) but have been exercising! I have been skipping rope for 30 minutes for over a month.
Doctor, is there a risk of cancer with these symptoms? Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/07

Dr. Zhang Shuhao reply Surgery

Given your age, unless there is a significant family history of cancer, your risk of cancer is quite low.
The symptoms you described are more likely related to dietary issues.
It is advisable to continue monitoring for any blood in the stool or other abdominal discomfort.
You may also consider consulting a family medicine physician or a gastroenterologist to evaluate whether any further examinations are necessary.

Reply Date: 2024/04/07

More Info

The presence of red residue in stool can understandably cause concern, especially when it appears suddenly or in conjunction with other gastrointestinal symptoms. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a bout of diarrhea after consuming a heavy meal and probiotics, followed by difficulty in having a bowel movement. The red spots on the surface of your stool and the reddish material when wiping could be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, the red spots on your stool could potentially be small pieces of undigested food, especially if you consumed items like cherry tomatoes, which can sometimes pass through the digestive system without being fully broken down. This is particularly true if you have recently increased your fiber intake or changed your diet. The fact that you mentioned eating a salad with small tomatoes could indeed be related to the red spots you observed.

However, it is also important to consider other possibilities. The presence of red in stool can sometimes indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. This can arise from various sources, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or more serious conditions such as diverticulosis or inflammatory bowel disease. Given that you mentioned the red material resembled skin and was not sticky, it might suggest a less serious issue, such as irritation or minor bleeding from the anal area, possibly due to straining during bowel movements.

Regarding your concerns about cancer risk, while the presence of blood in stool can be a symptom of colorectal cancer, it is essential to consider the context. Factors such as age, family history, and other symptoms (like weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain) play a significant role in assessing risk. At your age and given the recent dietary changes, it is more likely that the red residue is related to dietary factors or minor irritation rather than a serious condition.

Here are some recommendations for managing your symptoms and concerns:
1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on your bowel movements over the next few days. If the red spots persist, or if you notice any changes such as increased pain, significant blood, or changes in your stool consistency, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Consider moderating your intake of high-fiber foods and ensure you are drinking plenty of water to help with digestion. If you suspect that certain foods are causing issues, try to identify and limit them.

3. Avoid Straining: If you experience difficulty with bowel movements, try to avoid straining, as this can lead to hemorrhoids or fissures, which can cause bleeding.

4. Consult a Doctor: If you continue to have concerns about the red residue or if you experience any additional symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider may recommend tests, such as a stool analysis or colonoscopy, to rule out any serious conditions.

In summary, while the red residue in your stool could be related to dietary factors, it is important to remain vigilant and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and addressing any concerns with a qualified provider is the best course of action.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Red Stains in Stool: What Could They Be?

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may be food residue. If there is blood in the stool, you can observe whether it disperses into red water in the toilet next time, or take a sample of the abnormal area and seek medical attention for a fecal occult blood test. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. D...

Dark Red Substance in Stool: Causes and Concerns Explained

Hello doctor, this morning after using the restroom, I noticed a dark red piece floating in the toilet before flushing. I used toilet paper to pick it up and when I pressed it, the paper became stained red (not dark red). I'm not sure if it's blood; it doesn't seem...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: There is a high possibility of bleeding from hemorrhoids, and you may consider visiting a colorectal surgery department. Wishing you safety and good health. Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Red Tissue in Stool: Should You Be Concerned?

Hello doctor, over the past few years, I have occasionally noticed red shavings in my stool that resemble skin flakes. I'm not sure if it's blood or stool tissue. Sometimes when I wipe with toilet paper, there are red spots, but I had a colonoscopy six months ago, and t...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Abnormal stool color is often caused by food residues, with common culprits including carrots, dragon fruit, tomatoes, and pumpkin. Fruit seeds may also contribute to this issue. It is advisable to temporarily avoid dark-colored foods. If the abnormality persists, a consultation ...

Understanding Red Spots in Stool: Blood or Food Residue?

Could some red spots be considered blood in the stool, or is it more likely to be food residue or a small amount of red from toilet paper?

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
It is not possible to make a clinical judgment based on your description; it is advisable to seek further evaluation from a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon.