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Blood in the stool, also called rectal or rectal bleeding, can be a scary symptom that requires immediate attention.Regardless of the color of the blood or the circumstances in which it appeared, you should always consult a doctor.In the following article, we will discuss various aspects of rectal bleeding, including its causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and possible treatments.
Fresh, light, dark blood in stool – what does it mean?
Depending on the color of the blood in the stool, different causes of bleeding can be concluded:
Fresh bloodin the stool may suggest the presence of problems in the lower parts of the digestive system, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Light bloodmay indicate problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach ulcers or bleeding from the esophagus.
Dark bloodin the stool may be the result of bleeding from higher parts of the digestive tract, such as the small intestine or stomach.It may also indicate occult bleeding, which is more difficult to notice at first glance.
Blood in stool during pregnancy, after antibiotics, after alcohol or after exercise – what does it mean?
Rectal bleeding during pregnancy can be the result of many factors, including hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, or other conditions.It is worth consulting a doctor to rule out more serious causes.
Bleeding after taking antibiotics, alcohol, or during or after intense exercise may result from irritation of the intestinal or anal mucosa.However, you should always consult your doctor, as it may also be a symptom of a more serious problem.
Blood in stools – the most common causes
The most common causes of rectal bleeding include:
Hemorrhoids: This is a common cause of rectal bleeding.Hemorrhoids are caused by dilatation of blood vessels in the anal area and cause pain, itching and bleeding.
Anal fissures: These are small tears in the lining of the anus that can be painful and cause bleeding.
Hemorrhoidal disease: This is a chronic condition characterized by hemorrhoids and other symptoms such as pain and itching in the anal area.
Colitis: Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause rectal bleeding.
Colorectal cancer: Rectal bleeding may occur in advanced stages of colorectal cancer.This is a serious cause that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Occult blood in stools – what is it?
Occult blood in stool means that blood is present in the stool but is not visible to the naked eye.This is important because it can be a sign of serious health problems, such as bleeding in the stomach or intestines.The diagnosis of occult fecal bleeding is possible with special laboratory tests such as the Hemoccult test or the Guaiac test.
Blood in the stool – tests and treatment
If you notice blood in your stool or suspect rectal bleeding, you should consult your doctor.Diagnosing rectal bleeding may require various tests, such as:
– Endoscopy: Endoscopic examination allows for a detailed look at the inside of the digestive tract and identification of the source of bleeding.
– Colonoscopy: This test allows for a detailed look at the large intestine and may help detect possible cancer.
– CT scan: CT can be used to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract and determine the source of bleeding.
Treatment for rectal bleeding depends on its cause.For hemorrhoids or anal fissures, home treatment such as applying ointments or changing your diet may be sufficient.For more serious conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases or cancer, drug or surgical treatment may be necessary.
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Recommended articles
If you are interested in the topic of digestive health, we also recommend reading our other articles on this topic, such as “Symptoms of intestinal diseases” or “A healthy diet for the digestive system”.