Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help

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

Hello： Based on the symptoms, it is likely an anal fissure or hemorrhoidal bleeding, unrelated to gastrointestinal reflux. <br>It is recommended to consume more fruits and vegetables and ensure adequate hydration to facilitate smooth bowel movements, avoiding hard stools. <br>If

Two days ago, there was blood in the stool. This is the first occurrence of blood in the stool?

Hello, doctor.
I am a college student.
Two days ago, my stool was very thick and hard.
When it came out, one piece was a bit deep brown and the other piece was a lighter brown.
When I wiped with toilet paper, I noticed bright red blood.
I went to the emergency room, and the doctor said it was just a preliminary check and that everything was fine.
When I got home, my parents mentioned that it seemed like there was a wound on my anus.
Could it be caused by the wound? On Sunday morning, when I had a bowel movement, there was blood on the toilet paper again.
However, today when I had a bowel movement, my stool returned to normal, and there was no blood when I wiped.
Should I still go to a major hospital for further examination? I'm a bit scared since it was my first time experiencing blood in my stool, especially since I previously had a gastroscopy and was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

li, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/01/09

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Based on the symptoms, it is likely an anal fissure or hemorrhoidal bleeding, unrelated to gastrointestinal reflux.
It is recommended to consume more fruits and vegetables and ensure adequate hydration to facilitate smooth bowel movements, avoiding hard stools.
If bleeding persists, please consult a colorectal surgeon.
Wishing you good health, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2012/01/09

More Info

When it comes to blood in the stool, it can understandably be a source of concern, especially for a young adult like yourself. The presence of blood can arise from various causes, and understanding these can help you determine the next steps in managing your health.

From your description, it seems that you experienced hard stools, which can lead to anal fissures—small tears in the lining of the anus—especially if the stool is large and difficult to pass. This could explain the bright red blood you noticed on the toilet paper. Bright red blood typically indicates that the source of bleeding is closer to the anus, such as from hemorrhoids or anal fissures, rather than from higher up in the gastrointestinal tract, which would usually present with darker blood.

The fact that your stool returned to normal and you no longer see blood on the toilet paper is a positive sign. It suggests that the bleeding may have been a one-time event, likely related to the hard stool and the resultant injury to the anal area. However, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely.

Here are some key points to consider regarding your situation:
1. Hydration and Diet: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water and consuming a diet rich in fiber. This can help prevent constipation and the formation of hard stools in the future, reducing the risk of anal fissures.

2. Observation: Since you mentioned that the bleeding has stopped and your stool has returned to normal, it may not be necessary to seek further medical attention immediately. However, if you notice any recurrence of blood in your stool, or if you experience pain, discomfort, or any other concerning symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.

3. When to Seek Help: You should seek medical attention if:
- The bleeding resumes or worsens.

- You experience significant pain or discomfort.

- You notice other symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or fatigue.

- You have a history of gastrointestinal issues, such as your previous diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may warrant a more cautious approach.

4. Follow-Up: If you remain concerned or if the bleeding recurs, it would be prudent to schedule a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider. They may recommend further evaluation, such as a colonoscopy, especially if you have a family history of gastrointestinal diseases or if you are over 50 years old.

5. Mental Health: It’s also important to address any anxiety you may feel regarding your health. Experiencing blood in your stool can be alarming, but understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek help can alleviate some of that fear.

In summary, while your symptoms may have resolved, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent future occurrences. Keep an eye on your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Your health is paramount, and being proactive about it is always the best approach.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. I am a 19-year-old college student. Recently, I have been experiencing blood in my stool frequently, sometimes a lot, resembling urine in flow, and at other times just a small amount on the toilet paper. Sometimes I see blood during bowel movements, and sometimes I...

Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If there is blood in the stool and significant bleeding, it is important to see a gastroenterologist for an examination as soon as possible. The causes may include hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, or colonic ulcers, among others, and should not be taken lightly. Otherwise, it coul...

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Finding blood in your stool, especially if it is not bright red, can be indicative of several potential issues. It may suggest the presence of conditions such as hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even more serious conditions like colorectal c...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
If the stool is dark red, it does not necessarily indicate bleeding. To determine whether it is bleeding, a stool test is required. At the age of 23, it is mostly likely hemorrhoidal bleeding. As long as there is no further bleeding, it should not be a concern. It is recommended ...

Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention

Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. I have had poor sleep habits since childhood and often stay up late. Additionally, I have a tendency towards constipation. Everything was fine for the past few months, but recently I have suddenly experien...

Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Mr. Zhibo: You have reported recent occurrences of bloody stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. Possible causes include colitis, polyps, tumors, or bleeding from hemorrhoids. It is recommended that you visit a hospital's colorectal surgery department fo...

Blood in Stool: What You Need to Know and Do

Dear Doctor, Yesterday, I noticed blood in my stool and also found blood on the toilet paper after wiping. Could you please advise me on how to proceed? I would be very grateful.

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool may be caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, polyps, or diverticular bleeding, with hemorrhoidal bleeding being the most common. It is advisable to consume more fruits, vegetables, and fluids to maintai...