Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help - Surgery

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When you notice blood in your stool, it can understandably cause concern. The presence of deep brown stool with a layer of blood can be indicative of several conditions, some of which may require medical attention. Here’s a comprehensive overview of potential causes and when to seek help.


Possible Causes of Blood in Stool
1. Hemorrhoids: One of the most common causes of blood in the stool, especially if it is bright red, is hemorrhoids. These are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus that can bleed during bowel movements. If the blood is bright red and appears on the toilet paper or on the surface of the stool, hemorrhoids are a likely culprit.

2. Anal Fissures: These are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools. They can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements, and the blood is usually bright red.

3. Diverticular Disease: This condition involves the formation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall. If these pouches become inflamed or infected, they can bleed, leading to blood in the stool.

4. Gastrointestinal Infections: Certain infections can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. This can result in blood mixed with stool, often accompanied by diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever.

5. Polyps or Colorectal Cancer: While less common, polyps (growths on the colon lining) or colorectal cancer can also cause bleeding. The blood may appear darker or mixed in with the stool, especially if the source of bleeding is higher up in the gastrointestinal tract.

6. Peptic Ulcers: Ulcers in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine can lead to bleeding. This blood may appear dark and tarry if it has been digested.


When to Seek Medical Help
It’s important to monitor your symptoms closely. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent Bleeding: If the bleeding continues over several days or worsens.

- Large Amounts of Blood: If you notice a significant amount of blood, especially if it is bright red.

- Accompanying Symptoms: If you experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting, or changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation).

- Changes in Stool Color: If your stool becomes black and tarry, which can indicate bleeding from a higher part of the gastrointestinal tract.


Conclusion
While the presence of blood in your stool can be alarming, it is not always indicative of a serious condition. However, given that this is your first experience with such symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, blood tests, or imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

In the meantime, keep track of any additional symptoms you may experience and avoid any medications or supplements that could irritate your gastrointestinal tract until you have consulted with a doctor. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you have concerns about your health.