Blood in Stool: Constipation and Gastrointestinal Issues

Blood in the stool?!

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my sister.
She often has bowel movements every 4 to 5 days or longer, and her stools are sometimes blood-stained.
She says there is no pain in her anus, so it shouldn't be a case of anal fissures.
What could this situation be? Additionally, having bowel movements infrequently, is this considered constipation? Please help clarify this for me.
Thank you!

A Gui, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/08/29

Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

You may be experiencing constipation with hard stools, which can cause tears and bleeding in the anal mucosa during straining.
This type of bleeding is different from that associated with colitis or colorectal cancer; you typically notice one or two drops of bright red blood in the toilet after having a bowel movement, and it usually isn't painful.
Constipation can be one of the most challenging symptoms to manage; it’s not a serious illness, yet it can be quite bothersome.
Seeking medical attention for this issue can feel inconvenient and difficult to discuss.
As a result, many people resort to purchasing laxatives from the pharmacy on their own.
Constipation can potentially lead to hemorrhoids and other anal disorders; the accumulation of stool in the intestines can also produce significant toxins or carcinogens, negatively impacting your internal health.
Therefore, you may need to adjust your daily dietary habits: 1.
Drink more water.
2.
It’s important not to ignore the urge to have a bowel movement due to a busy schedule; you should cultivate a habit of using the toilet daily.
3.
Include high-fiber foods in your diet, such as fruits, especially citrus fruits like oranges.
4.
Drink more yogurt.

Reply Date: 2001/08/29

More Info

Blood in stool, especially when accompanied by infrequent bowel movements, can be concerning and warrants careful consideration. Your sister's situation, where she experiences bowel movements only every 4 to 5 days and has noticed blood in her stool, suggests a few potential underlying issues that should be evaluated.

Firstly, infrequent bowel movements can indeed indicate constipation. Constipation is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, and it can lead to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. When stool is hard, it can cause straining during bowel movements, which may lead to small tears in the anal tissue (anal fissures) or exacerbate hemorrhoids, both of which can result in bleeding. However, since your sister reports no pain during bowel movements, it might be less likely that she has anal fissures.
The presence of blood in the stool can also be attributed to other gastrointestinal issues. For example, conditions such as diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even colorectal polyps can lead to bleeding. In some cases, the blood may appear bright red, indicating that it is fresh and likely coming from the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the colon or rectum. If the blood is darker or mixed with the stool, it could suggest bleeding from higher up in the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or small intestine.

Given your sister's symptoms, it is crucial to consider the following:
1. Dietary Factors: A diet low in fiber can contribute to constipation. Encouraging your sister to increase her intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and adequate hydration may help improve her bowel habits.

2. Lifestyle Changes: Regular physical activity can stimulate bowel function. If your sister leads a sedentary lifestyle, incorporating more movement may help alleviate her constipation.

3. Medical Evaluation: Since your sister is experiencing blood in her stool, it is essential for her to consult a healthcare professional. A thorough evaluation, including a detailed medical history and possibly diagnostic tests such as a colonoscopy, may be necessary to rule out any serious conditions.

4. Potential Medications: If dietary and lifestyle changes do not improve her symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend laxatives or other medications to help manage her constipation.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: It is important for your sister to monitor her symptoms closely. If she experiences significant changes in her bowel habits, increased bleeding, or any new symptoms such as abdominal pain or weight loss, she should seek medical attention promptly.

In conclusion, while your sister's symptoms may be related to constipation, the presence of blood in her stool is a red flag that should not be ignored. It is essential for her to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause of her symptoms and to receive appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent potential complications and improve her overall gastrointestinal health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Blood in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns and Solutions

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing diarrhea for almost two weeks, starting three weeks ago, with a couple of instances of constipation in between. Most of my stools have been yellow and watery, accompanied by stomach discomfort, bloating, and nausea. I have visited several cl...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you are very concerned, you can consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist. Anal pain with slight bleeding is mostly caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.

Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Health Concerns

I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues for over two months. My recent health check report indicated that everything is normal except for elevated total bilirubin levels (CEA is normal). However, this afternoon, I noticed blood in my stool; the blood was separate from th...

Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Blood in the stool, when accompanied by no anal pain, is mostly due to hemorrhoidal bleeding. If blood in the stool causes anal pain, it is likely due to anal fissures. Occasional blood in the stool should raise concerns about hemorrhoids first, followed by tumors (polyps or canc...

Understanding Digestive Issues: Blood in Stool and Related Symptoms

Hello Doctor, I have recently observed my stool and sometimes there are red spots resembling blood clots or mucus. My stool is yellow-brown, well-formed, and I have a bowel movement once a day. Recently, I have also been experiencing dizziness. I have undergone a colonoscopy and ...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If the fecal occult blood test is negative and there is no anemia, then there is no need to perform further small bowel examination.

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Gastrointestinal Concerns

Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing blood in my stool, and there are also blood stains on my underwear. Sometimes I have constipation for a week, followed by sudden diarrhea. I also have persistent hiccups that last a long time, along with frequent abdominal pain, hea...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Please visit a colorectal surgeon.