Is there blood in the stool? Don't be afraid, let's talk about this (Blood in Stool)

It's normal to feel scared and worried when you see blood in your stool or on the toilet paper. But don't panic. This isn't always a sign of a serious illness. Sometimes it can happen for a very simple reason. Let's talk about it all clearly.

What does blood in the stool look like? What can you tell from the color?

The blood that comes with your stool can appear in different colors. Don't be surprised, the color of this blood can give us some idea of ​​where the blood is coming from.

Simply put, the color changes depending on where the blood comes from.

Sometimes, you may not see any bleeding with your eyes, but the blood may only be detected when you look at it under a microscope during a stool test. This is called ``occult bleeding'' or "hidden bleeding."

When should you see a doctor?

While most of the time this can be due to a simple cause, there are some cases where you should definitely see a doctor. Don't put it off if you have the following symptoms:

• If you continue to have blood in your stool for more than 3 weeks .
• If you have severe pain in the anus.
• If you feel something in your hand, like a stomach ache or a knot .
• If you feel like you are bleeding a lot .
• If the nature of your stools (increased wateriness, thinning, increased length) has changed for more than 3 weeks .
• If you have no idea why you are bleeding (i.e. without a known cause, such as constipation or diarrhea).
• If the bleeding is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, fainting, lethargy, or vomiting .

In times like these, be sure to see your doctor for advice.

What are the causes of blood in the stool?

Blood in your stool means there is an injury, tear, or bleeding somewhere in your digestive system. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes.

Common causes

• Hemorrhoids: The main and most common cause of blood in the stool is hemorrhoids. This is caused by swelling of the blood vessels inside or outside the rectum. They can be caused by things like straining during bowel movements (constipation) or lifting heavy objects. These swollen veins can burst and bleed. Itching and pain around the anus are also symptoms of this.
• Anal Fissure: This is a small tear in the skin around the anus, similar to a split in our lips. This tear can occur when a hard, large stool is passed. It can be very painful.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This is a long-term condition. If you have been experiencing abdominal pain, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea for weeks, you may have IBD. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease are the two main types.
• Diverticular Disease: These are small pouches that protrude from the wall of the large intestine. Although they are usually harmless, they can sometimes bleed or become infected.
• Stomach or intestinal ulcers (Peptic Ulcer):Ulcers that form in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen are the main causes.
• Gastroenteritis: Diarrhea caused by a viral or bacterial infection (e.g., food poisoning) can be bloody and accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Other reasons

• Polyps or Cancer: Polyps are common growths that form inside the colon. They can bleed, and some types can turn into cancer over time. Colorectal cancer is a serious cause of blood in the stool.
• Esophageal Problems: Excessive bleeding can occur due to swelling or a tear in the blood vessels in the esophagus (the tube through which we swallow food).
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs): Some sexually transmitted diseases can also cause rectal bleeding.

Causes of blood in the stool of young children

As well as the causes that affect adults, there are several causes that are specific to children.

• Constipation: This is the most common cause of blood in a child's stool. Constipation can cause an anal fissure to form and cause bleeding.
• Food Allergies: A baby can develop an allergy, especially to milk powder or certain foods eaten by a breastfeeding mother (such as cow's milk, soy, peanuts), which can lead to colitis and bleeding.
• Stomach ulcers: Children can also develop stomach ulcers due to the bacteria (H. pylori).
• Meckel 's diverticulum: This is a congenital condition. An extra pouch of tissue that forms in the wall of the intestine and can bleed painlessly. It can be treated with surgery.

How does the doctor make a diagnosis?

When you go to the doctor, he or she will ask you a few questions. The details you provide about the type of bleeding, color, and other symptoms will help in making a diagnosis. Then, they will perform a physical exam (including a rectal exam). To find the exact cause, they may recommend one or more of the following tests:

• Endoscopy (EGD): Examination of the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine using a small tube with a camera inserted through the mouth.
• Colonoscopy: An examination of the entire large intestine using a tube with a camera inserted through the anus. A small piece of tissue can also be taken for examination (biopsy).
• Stool Test: A stool sample is taken and checked for hidden blood, bacterial infections, etc.
• Imaging tests: Something like a CT scan of the abdomen may also be done.

What are the treatments?

In most cases, if the bleeding is due to a simple cause, such as hemorrhoids or constipation, treating the condition will stop the bleeding on its own. Treatment depends on the specific cause of the bleeding.

Things you can do at home

These things can help with conditions like hemorrhoids and anal fissures:

• Eating more fiber-rich foods (legumes, vegetables, fruits, whole grains). This will reduce constipation.
• Drinking a lot of water a day .
• Taking a sitz bath . This involves sitting in a basin of lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. This will reduce pain and swelling.
• Use hemorrhoid creams as directed by a doctor.

Medical treatment

Treatment varies depending on the cause.

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
• Medicines that reduce stomach acid for stomach ulcers.
• Anti-inflammatory medications for conditions like IBD.
• Surgical removal of polyps or cancer.
• If the bleeding cannot be stopped, the bleeding site can be injected with medication, cauterized with electricity or laser, or clipped during the endoscopy.