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

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

Hello： Since the symptoms have been persistent, you can consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist to check for internal or external hemorrhoids, rectal inflammation, polyps, or tumors. <br>Changhua Hospital cares about your health. <br>Dr. <br>Tsai An-Shun.

Red specks in stool?

Two days ago (11/21), I noticed a small piece of red stool (about 3 to 5 centimeters long) during a bowel movement, while the rest of the stool was a normal brown color.
When I wiped with toilet paper, I found small spots of bright red blood, but the blood did not stain the toilet.
I experienced some pain in the anal area, but it wasn't severe, and I didn't pay much attention to it since I was on my menstrual period at the time.
Then, yesterday (11/22), I had another bowel movement, and the stool color was normal.
However, today (11/23), during another bowel movement, I noticed a few small spots of light red color at the end of the stool (less than 1 centimeter in diameter), while most of the stool remained brown.
I also experienced diarrhea, and there was still pain in the anal area.
Additionally, a few weeks ago, I had a similar incident with red stool, but it only happened once and then went away until it reappeared a few days ago.
I would like to know if this situation requires a visit to the hospital for examination and what possible causes might be.
Thank you, doctor!

Miss A, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/23

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Since the symptoms have been persistent, you can consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist to check for internal or external hemorrhoids, rectal inflammation, polyps, or tumors.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-Shun.

Reply Date: 2015/11/23

More Info

When it comes to gastrointestinal issues, especially those involving changes in stool color and the presence of blood, it is crucial to approach the situation with caution. Based on your description, you have experienced intermittent red spots in your stool, along with abdominal pain and diarrhea. These symptoms can be concerning and warrant further investigation.

The presence of red spots in your stool can be indicative of several conditions. One common cause is hemorrhoids, which are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area that can bleed during bowel movements, especially if there is straining involved. This bleeding is typically bright red and may appear on the toilet paper or in the stool. Given that you mentioned experiencing pain around the anus, this could be a plausible explanation.

Another potential cause could be anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the anus that can occur due to passing hard stools. These can also lead to bright red blood in the stool and significant discomfort during bowel movements.

However, it is essential to consider other more serious conditions as well. For instance, gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even polyps and colorectal cancer can present with similar symptoms. The fact that you have experienced this issue multiple times over the past few weeks, along with the abdominal pain and diarrhea, raises the level of concern.

In your case, since you have seen red spots in your stool on multiple occasions and are experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider will likely perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and possibly diagnostic tests such as a stool analysis or a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is particularly useful for visualizing the interior of the colon and identifying any abnormalities such as polyps, ulcers, or signs of inflammation.

It is also worth noting that dietary factors can influence stool color. For example, consuming foods high in red pigments, such as beets or certain artificial colorings, can lead to red-tinged stools. However, since you have reported the presence of blood, it is essential not to dismiss this possibility without further investigation.

In summary, while some causes of red spots in stool may be benign, the combination of your symptoms suggests that a medical evaluation is warranted. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing any underlying conditions effectively. Therefore, I recommend that you schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms and undergo the necessary examinations. Your health and well-being should always be the top priority, and addressing these symptoms promptly can lead to better outcomes.

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