Blood in Stool: What It Means and When to Seek Help

Blood in the stool :(

Hello doctor, I am 18 years old.
I had diarrhea in mid-February, and recently I have been experiencing constipation.
Previously, I noticed blood in my stool, and there was quite a bit of blood in the toilet.
Recently, my stools have been hard and pellet-like, and upon closer inspection, I noticed blood on them.
My buttocks aren't painful yet.
What should I do?

YEE, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/25

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

This situation is likely indicative of a higher possibility of hemorrhoidal bleeding.
As long as there is no further bleeding, it should not be a concern.
It is recommended to avoid constipation during this period and to shorten the time spent on bowel movements.
Warm sitz baths may also help alleviate symptoms.
You can purchase over-the-counter hemorrhoidal suppositories for use.
It is best not to take stool softeners indiscriminately; at this age, increasing dietary fiber and hydration should be sufficient.
If bleeding persists, it is advisable to consult a physician for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2016/02/25

More Info

Blood in stool can be concerning, especially for an 18-year-old experiencing changes in bowel habits like diarrhea followed by constipation. The presence of blood in your stool, particularly if it is bright red and noticeable in the toilet, can indicate several potential issues, ranging from benign to more serious conditions.

First, let's discuss some common causes of blood in the stool:
1. Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus that can cause bleeding, especially during bowel movements. They are often associated with straining, which can occur with constipation.

2. Anal Fissures: These are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools. They can be painful and may cause bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper.

3. Diverticular Disease: This condition involves the formation of small pouches in the colon wall, which can become inflamed or infected, leading to bleeding.

4. Gastrointestinal Infections: Certain infections can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in blood in the stool.

5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can lead to inflammation and ulceration of the intestines, causing blood in the stool.

6. Polyps or Colorectal Cancer: While less common in younger individuals, polyps (growths on the colon lining) can bleed, and in rare cases, colorectal cancer can present with blood in the stool.

Given your symptoms of diarrhea followed by constipation and the presence of blood in your stool, it is essential to seek medical attention. Here are some steps you should consider:
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: It's crucial to see a doctor, preferably a gastroenterologist, who can evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and possibly recommend tests such as a stool test, colonoscopy, or imaging studies to determine the cause of the bleeding.

- Keep a Record of Symptoms: Document any additional symptoms you may experience, such as abdominal pain, changes in appetite, weight loss, or changes in bowel habits. This information can help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.

- Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it can be tempting to search for answers online, self-diagnosing can lead to unnecessary anxiety or misinterpretation of symptoms. Professional evaluation is key.

- Dietary Considerations: While you await your appointment, consider increasing your fiber intake to help with constipation. Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help soften stools. Staying hydrated is also essential.

- Monitor Your Condition: If you experience severe abdominal pain, dizziness, or if the bleeding worsens, seek immediate medical attention, as these could be signs of a more serious condition.

In summary, while blood in the stool can be caused by various conditions, it is essential to take it seriously and consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and address any underlying issues effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. I am a 19-year-old college student. Recently, I have been experiencing blood in my stool frequently, sometimes a lot, resembling urine in flow, and at other times just a small amount on the toilet paper. Sometimes I see blood during bowel movements, and sometimes I...

Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If there is blood in the stool and significant bleeding, it is important to see a gastroenterologist for an examination as soon as possible. The causes may include hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, or colonic ulcers, among others, and should not be taken lightly. Otherwise, it coul...

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Finding blood in your stool, especially if it is not bright red, can be indicative of several potential issues. It may suggest the presence of conditions such as hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even more serious conditions like colorectal c...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
If the stool is dark red, it does not necessarily indicate bleeding. To determine whether it is bleeding, a stool test is required. At the age of 23, it is mostly likely hemorrhoidal bleeding. As long as there is no further bleeding, it should not be a concern. It is recommended ...

Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention

Blood in the stool can be concerning, especially if it occurs intermittently. It's important to note that the presence of blood does not always correlate with the overall appearance of one's health, such as facial color. A person can appear healthy while still having un...

Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
1. The human body has the ability to produce blood. If the amount of bleeding is less than or equal to the amount of blood produced, there will be no change in complexion. Additionally, the body's blood circulation has compensatory mechanisms, so significant anemia is requir...

Understanding Blood in Stool: Key Signs and Causes to Know

Blood in the stool can be a sign of various medical conditions. It may indicate issues such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn's disease

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you notice blood in your stool, it would be helpful for you to provide more details. For example: (1) If the stool color is normal but there is bright red blood on the toilet paper after wiping, it is usually due to hemorrhoidal bleeding or injury to the skin around the...