It also describes the various signs and symptoms that warrant an immediate medical investigation or emergency care.
This is especially true if you are passingbright red blood, a condition calledhematochezia.
This often means there is a bleed in the lowerdigestive tract.
Verywell / JR Bee
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids occur when blood vessels in the rectum or anus become swollen and inflamed.
They are common, especially during pregnancy.
Bleeding from hemorrhoids can develop if you are constipated, and hardened stools scrape vulnerable tissues.
It can also be the result ofstraining, which increases pressure within the swollen blood vessel.
Severe pain or bleeding should be looked at immediately.
Anal Fissures
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of your anus.
Common causes include passing large stools, chronic diarrhea, straining, pregnancy, childbirth, and anal sex.
Do not wait if the pain or bleeding is severe.
This is recognized by blood in the stool that is usually more maroon, brown, or blackish.
The higher the bleeding, the more extensive the oxidation and the darker the color.
Some stools can even end up lookingblack and tarry, a condition known asmelena.
There are five conditions for which this punch in of GI bleed might occur.
Both cause persistent inflammation in the large and small intestines.
In severe cases, surgery is needed.
Most people with this condition have no symptoms.
However, some people can developdiverticulitis, which is sparked by infection or inflammation of one of the pouches.
Although not terribly common, these pouches can sometimes bleed.
If this happens, you may see a large amount ofblood in your stool.
In general, a high-fiber diet and increased water intake are recommended.
Antibiotics are used to treat diverticulitis.
When to Call 911
Diverticular bleedingwill usually stop suddenly.
However, in a small number of cases, the bleeding can become life-threatening and require emergency care.
Examples includepeptic ulcers,esophagitis, esophageal tears, and tumors.
Clips or bands may also be placed around vessels to cut off the blood flow.
Other symptoms of colon cancer include:
The treatment depends on the stage of the cancer.
It may involve surgery,radiation,chemotherapy, orimmunotherapy.
Colon Polyps
Colon polypsare growths in thelarge intestine.
Most arebenign(non-cancerous) and some can turnmalignant(cancerous) over time.
To help prevent colon cancer, polyps may be removed during the colonoscopy with a procedure known aspolypectomy.
Other Causes of Stool Color Changes
Sometimesstool colorcan change when eating certain foods or taking certain supplements.
You might confuse this with blood in the stools.
Even if the cause is not serious, it is best to have that confirmed by a medical professional.
Blood work may or may not be taken.
Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are two of the most common causes.
By ignoring this early symptom, you may rob yourself of the opportunity for an early diagnosis and treatment.
And, in the end, the early diagnosis of cancer almost invariably affords better outcomes.
If blood stays in the GI tract longer, it gets oxidized and changes to a darker color.
Treatment for rectal bleeding depends on the cause.
More serious causes, such as colon cancer, may require surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Risk factors that may cause a GI bleed include:
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.Treatment of hemorrhoids.
National Health Service (UK).Anal fissure.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) basics.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for Crohn’s disease.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Diverticulitis.
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