Light Red Stool: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Evaluation

Stool with a light red color?

I first noticed this situation around November of last year when, after eating a lot of cherry tomatoes, I had a stool that was slightly light orange-red.
At that time, I thought it was due to the tomatoes and didn't think much of it.
Later, in December, I experienced this a couple more times, where the stool was mostly brown with a light orange-red end, despite not having eaten anything unusual.
After that, my stools were normal until the last few days when I again had stools with a light orange-red color (the entire stool was light brown with a hint of red).
Recently, I have been drinking a lot of tomato juice (the kind bought from convenience stores), and I'm unsure if this is food-related.
My stools do not stain the toilet with blood; rather, the color itself is reddish.
Altogether, I have experienced reddish stools about 5 to 10 times.
Aside from the stool color, my bowel frequency is generally normal, about once a day, with occasional diarrhea.
However, I sometimes feel a slight burning sensation in my upper abdomen, and my stomach often makes gurgling sounds with noticeable peristalsis when I sleep.
I went to the hospital for an examination in December, where only my anus was checked, and the doctor said everything was normal with no hemorrhoids.
Should I consider getting a gastrointestinal endoscopy now? I previously read online that stools with polyps can often appear light red; is this true? Thank you for your response.

11, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/15

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

1.
Tomatoes, red bell peppers, and dragon fruit can cause this situation, so it is recommended to avoid these foods and monitor your stool condition.
2.
Although the probability of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 19 is not zero, it is generally very low.
It is advised to maintain a light diet and a good lifestyle.
If symptoms persist without improvement, you may consult a physician for medication.
If there is still no improvement or if you are very concerned, a colonoscopy can be arranged.
3.
Polyps typically do not cause changes in stool color unless there is significant bleeding.

Reply Date: 2016/02/15

More Info

When it comes to the observation of light red or reddish stools, it is essential to consider various factors that could contribute to this phenomenon. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced intermittent episodes of light red stools, particularly after consuming certain foods like tomatoes and tomato juice. This raises the question of whether the coloration is food-related or indicative of a more serious gastrointestinal issue.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the color of stool can be influenced by dietary choices. Foods that are rich in pigments, such as tomatoes, beets, and certain fruits, can alter the color of stool. The fact that you noted a correlation between your consumption of tomatoes and the appearance of reddish stools suggests that dietary factors may indeed play a role. However, it is also crucial to differentiate between stool that is discolored due to food and stool that may indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

The absence of blood in the toilet water and the fact that your stools are primarily brown with only a slight reddish tint are reassuring signs. However, the presence of light red or reddish stools on multiple occasions warrants further investigation, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal discomfort or changes in bowel habits.

In your case, the intermittent nature of the reddish stools, along with the normal frequency of bowel movements and the absence of significant pain, suggests that it may not be an urgent issue. However, the mild burning sensation in your upper abdomen and the audible bowel sounds could indicate some underlying gastrointestinal irritation or dysmotility.

It is also worth noting that certain conditions, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or even polyps, can lead to the presence of blood or changes in stool color. While you mentioned that a previous examination did not reveal hemorrhoids, it is still possible for other conditions to be present. Polyps, for instance, can sometimes cause changes in stool color, and while they are often asymptomatic, they can lead to bleeding.

Given your history and the recurring nature of the reddish stools, it would be prudent to consult a gastroenterologist for a thorough evaluation. A colonoscopy may be recommended to visualize the colon and rectum, allowing for the identification of any potential abnormalities such as polyps or inflammation. Additionally, stool tests may be conducted to rule out any infections or other gastrointestinal disorders.

In summary, while the reddish coloration of your stools may be related to dietary factors, the persistence of this symptom, along with accompanying gastrointestinal sensations, suggests that a comprehensive evaluation is warranted. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to gastrointestinal health, as early detection of any potential issues can lead to more effective management and treatment. Therefore, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a gastroenterologist to discuss your symptoms in detail and determine the appropriate next steps for evaluation and management.

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