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Preventions of Blood in Stool
Blood in Stool - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Rectal bleeding, also known as blood in the stool, can be a worrying symptom that might point to several underlying digestive problems. It is critical to comprehend the reasons for blood in stool, its symptoms, treatments, and preventative actions.
Symptoms of Blood in Stool :
The appearance of the faeces may vary depending on the source of the blood. Bright-red blood typically indicates bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, while dark-red or brown blood may have its origins further up in the colon or small intestine. Black and tarry stools could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. Possible concomitant symptoms include weakness, diarrhea, loss of weight, and abdominal pain.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the common causes of blood in stool?
Common blood in stool causes include:
- Hemorrhoids: Enlarged veins in the anus and rectum that may bleed due to straining during bowel movements or constipation.
- Anal fissures: small rips in the skin around the anus, commonly caused by constipation and hard stools, resulting in bright red blood during bowel movements.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease that lead to inflammation in the digestive tract, causing bloody diarrhea and discomfort.
- Ischemic Colitis: Reduced blood supply to the colon, causing intestinal damage and bloody diarrhoea, typically accompanied by abdominal pain.
- Diverticular disease is characterized by the development of tiny pouches in the colon wall that may bleed or become infected, resulting in blood in the stool.
These conditions can result in blood in the stool, with variations in colour and appearance based on the specific cause. Seeking medical assessment is crucial when blood in the stool is present to identify the underlying issue and receive appropriate blood-in-stool treatment.
Can urinary tract infections (UTIs) cause blood in urine?
It's true that hematuria, or blood in the urine, can result from urinary tract infections (UTIs). The bacteria that cause a UTI cause irritation and inflammation to the lining of your urinary tract. Red blood cells may seep into your urine as a result of this. Microscopic hematuria, or tiny amounts of blood in urine, may be invisible to the human eye. On the other hand, it is referred to as gross hematuria if there is enough blood to cause the urine to change colour. Urine can have cola-like colours, such as red, pink, or brown.
Additional typical UTI symptoms include:
- Dysuria, or painful urination
- Burning while urinating
- Frequent urination
- An urgent desire to urinate
- Pressure or pain in the lower back, sides, abdomen, or pelvis
- Murky, unpleasant-smelling pee
Treating the underlying UTI is the only way to halt the bleeding. Since bacteria cause most UTIs, antibiotics are the most widely used form of treatment. Even if you feel better, make sure you follow the doctor's advice and Finish the entire course of medicines to ensure that the infection has been entirely eliminated.
What medical conditions can cause blood in urine?
Various medical conditions can result in hematuria or blood in the urine. These factors encompass infections, kidney ailments, and uncommon blood disorders. Common contributors to hematuria include:
- Infections: Infections affecting the urinary tract, bladder, or kidneys can provoke hematuria. Bacterial infiltration through the urethra can also incite infection, leading to discomfort, frequent urination, and blood in the urine.
- Stones: Stones, composed of crystallized minerals from urine, can form in the bladder or kidneys and induce blockages that cause hematuria and significant discomfort.
- Enlarged Prostate: Men may experience an enlarged prostate that compresses the urethra, resulting in urination difficulties and potentially triggering a urinary tract infection accompanied by hematuria.
- Kidney Disease: Kidney disorders, either alone or in conjunction with conditions like diabetes, can cause hematuria. Specific kidney ailments, such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in children, can lead to blood in the urine.
- Cancer: Cancers affecting the bladder, kidneys, or prostate may present with hematuria, particularly in advanced stages. Hematuria can serve as an early indicator of these malignancies.
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as penicillin, aspirin, blood thinners, and medications used in cancer therapy, can also trigger hematuria.
- Other Causes: Uncommon origins of hematuria encompass rare blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia, intense physical activity, or kidney trauma.
Prompt consultation with a healthcare provider upon noticing blood in the urine is crucial, as it may signify a significant underlying health concern necessitating accurate diagnosis and treatment. Disregarding hematuria can exacerbate conditions such as cancer and kidney disease, underscoring the importance of timely medical intervention.
Can certain foods or beverages cause blood in urine?
Certain foods like beetroot, blackberries, blueberries, and rhubarb can lead to the presence of a blood-like appearance in urine by causing it to turn red or pink. Medications and specific food items can also alter the colour of urine. However, it is vital to distinguish between genuine blood in the urine (hematuria) and these colour changes induced by food or medication. Hematuria can indicate various medical conditions such as bladder cancer, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, kidney diseases, and kidney injuries, as well as factors like menstrual cycles, sexual activity, intense physical exercise, and viral infections. If blood is observed in the urine, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is crucial to identifying the root cause and receiving appropriate medical care.
When should I seek medical attention for blood in my urine?
If blood is detected in your urine, it is crucial to promptly seek medical attention, regardless of whether it is a one-time occurrence. Hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, can indicate a potentially severe underlying condition that should not be disregarded.
In situations where specific symptoms accompany hematuria, immediate medical care should be sought by calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room. These symptoms include the inability to urinate, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, lower back or abdominal pain, and the presence of blood clots unrelated to menstruation.
Common causes of hematuria encompass urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, kidney disorders, and certain medications. Additionally, more severe conditions such as bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer may also be potential causes.
For all other instances of hematuria, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a urologist without delay. A urologist can identify the cause of the bleeding and devise an appropriate treatment strategy.
Regardless of the amount of blood present in the urine or whether it resolves spontaneously, seeking medical assessment is imperative. Neglecting hematuria can lead to the worsening of severe conditions, underscoring the necessity of prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Common causes of blood in stool include:
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Diverticulosis
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Inflammatory bowel illnesses include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Peptic ulcers
- Colorectal polyps or cancer
Medical illnesses that may cause blood in stool include:
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus.
- Anal fissures: Small tears in the anal lining.
- Diverticulosis: Small pouches in the colon that can bleed.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Peptic ulcers: Open sores on the stomach's inner lining or upper small intestine.
- Colorectal cancer: Cancer of the colon or rectal.
- Gastrointestinal infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that cause inflammation and bleeding.
Blood in stool is diagnosed through:
- Physical examination
- Medical history review
- Digital rectal exam
- Stool tests to detect hidden (occult) blood
- Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to see the colon and rectum.
- Endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract
- Imaging research, such as CT scans or MRIs
- Blood tests to detect anemia or other related conditions
Yes, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to blood in stool. Alcohol can irritate the GI tract, resulting in conditions such as gastritis, oesophagal varices, and peptic ulcers, which can cause bleeding. Chronic alcohol abuse is also associated with liver disease, which can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.
If you notice blood in your stool, you should:
- Seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause.
- Keep a record of any other symptoms you experience, such as pain, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or fatigue.
- Avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment, as blood in the stool might indicate a variety of diseases, some of which require immediate medical attention.
- Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for diagnostic tests and treatment.
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