Red Spots in Stool: Gastrointestinal Concerns Explained

There are red substances in the stool?

My daily routine is quite irregular due to work factors, and I often eat out for all my meals.
However, I have a habit of taking probiotics in powder form, which I've been doing for a long time.
Sometimes, after taking them, I still experience diarrhea, and occasionally I notice red spots in my stool (the overall stool color is yellow).
This makes me wonder what I ate the previous day.
I did have some carrots or fried shallots, but only in very small amounts! Previously, I drank a vegetable and fruit juice, but the color of my stool ended up resembling that juice, an orange-red color, which makes me worry about potential gastrointestinal issues.
There have been a few instances where I noticed blood on the toilet paper after wiping, but it was very minimal, almost like a small abrasion.
Additionally, I sometimes feel something unusual near the top of my left thigh, close to the groin area; it’s not painful, but it feels like there’s something there! (Is this area related to our intestines?) Previously, I had kidney stones and consulted a urologist who performed an abdominal X-ray.
I also asked him about this issue, and he suggested that standing or sitting for too long could cause such sensations, as it feels strange but not painful.

Guo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/22

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, the color of stool is closely related to food pigments; as for blood on the toilet paper, it is generally indicative of rectal or anal bleeding, with hemorrhoids being the most common cause.
If necessary, please consult a colorectal surgeon.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2015/07/22

More Info

When it comes to gastrointestinal health, the presence of red spots or red-colored material in stool can be concerning and warrants careful consideration. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing some gastrointestinal irregularities, including occasional red spots in your stool, which is primarily yellow, and some episodes of minor bleeding on toilet paper. You also mentioned a sensation in your left thigh near the groin area, which you are curious about in relation to your gastrointestinal health.

Firstly, the appearance of red spots in your stool can be attributed to several factors. One common cause is dietary intake. Foods that are red or contain red pigments, such as beets, tomatoes, or even certain sauces, can lead to red discoloration in the stool. You mentioned consuming red carrots and a vegetable juice that could potentially contribute to this coloration. It is essential to consider what you have eaten in the days leading up to noticing the red spots, as even small amounts of these foods can affect stool color.

Another possibility is the presence of blood in the stool, which can be alarming. Blood can appear in the stool for various reasons, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or more serious conditions like diverticulosis or inflammatory bowel disease. Given that you have noticed blood on toilet paper, it is crucial to evaluate whether this is due to a minor issue like a fissure or something more significant. The sensation you described in your thigh area is less likely to be directly related to your gastrointestinal tract, but it could indicate referred pain or discomfort from prolonged sitting or standing, which can affect the pelvic region and may lead to muscle strain or nerve irritation.

Given your history of gastrointestinal symptoms and the recent changes in your stool, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. A gastroenterologist can perform necessary tests, such as a stool analysis or possibly a colonoscopy, to rule out any serious conditions. They may also assess your dietary habits and consider whether any supplements, like the probiotics you mentioned, could be contributing to your symptoms.

In the meantime, maintaining a food diary can be beneficial. Documenting what you eat and any symptoms that arise can help identify potential triggers. Additionally, ensuring adequate hydration and a balanced diet rich in fiber can support overall digestive health. If you experience any worsening symptoms, such as increased bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits, seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while the presence of red spots in your stool can often be linked to dietary choices, it is essential to consider other potential causes, especially given your history of gastrointestinal issues. A healthcare professional can provide a comprehensive evaluation and guide you toward appropriate management strategies.

Similar Q&A

Red Spots in Stool: Food or Serious Health Concern?

Hello doctor, I just went to the bathroom and noticed some red spots in my stool, along with a small red dot. The toilet water was not stained red and the rest of the stool appeared normal in color. I'm not sure if this is due to food residue or blood. Yesterday, I ate straw...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Abnormal stool color is often caused by food residues, with common culprits including carrots, dragon fruit, tomatoes, and pumpkin. It is advisable to temporarily avoid dark-colored foods. If there is no improvement, a fecal occult blood test can be performed to check for bleedin...

Understanding Abnormal Stool Appearance: What Red Spots Could Mean

If the stool is shaped normally like a sausage but has red spots on the inside and surface, and there is no blood on the toilet paper after wiping the anal area, is this a serious issue?

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you are unable to determine whether there is bleeding, it is recommended that you undergo colorectal cancer screening and check for fecal occult blood. Individuals aged 50 and older are eligible for a free fecal test for colorectal cancer screening every two years throu...

Understanding Red Stains in Stool: Possible Causes and Concerns

Hello, I have noticed some red spots on the toilet paper when wiping after using the restroom over the past couple of days. I'm not sure if it is blood, and there is also a small red area on my stool. However, I have been having regular bowel movements without any issues. Co...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Based on your description, it seems to be an anal fissure. The typical symptoms include pain during bowel movements accompanied by slight bleeding. The primary cause of anal fissures is usually hard stools; however, diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, or prolonged straining can a...

Red Spots in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice for Gastrointestinal Issues

Hello, doctor. About two years ago, I had gastritis (I underwent an endoscopy), and since then, I have occasionally experienced bloating. About 2 to 3 weeks ago, I suddenly started having diarrhea after meals every day. After a few days, I sought medical attention and was initial...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Generally speaking, when there is blood in the stool, it is usually seen as streaks or clots, and it is rare to see small dots of red. If this phenomenon persists, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. The term "occult blood test" refers to a test wher...