Understanding Bleeding While Passing Stool
Bleeding while passing stool can be concerning and may indicate various underlying issues. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the symptoms, causes, and treatment options related to this condition.
What is Bleeding While Passing Stool?
Bleeding while passing stool refers to the presence of blood in or on the stool. This can be alarming and may vary from minor spotting to more significant bleeding. Identifying the symptoms and understanding the underlying causes is crucial for appropriate treatment.
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Get A Second OpinionSymptoms of Bleeding While Passing Stool
Bleeding When Passing Stool
One of the primary symptoms is visible blood in the stool or on the toilet paper. The blood may be bright red or dark, depending on its source.
Bleeding While Passing Stool Pain
In some cases, bleeding may be accompanied by pain or discomfort. This can be due to conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Bleeding While Passing Stool Constipation
Chronic constipation can lead to straining during bowel movements, which might cause or exacerbate bleeding.
Bleeding While Passing Stool Child
Children experiencing bleeding while passing stool may have specific causes such as anal fissures or constipation. It's essential to monitor their symptoms and consult a healthcare provider.
Causes of Bleeding While Passing Stool
- Diverticular disease: Diverticula are tiny sacs that protrude from the wall of the colon. They usually do not cause problems, but they can sometimes bleed or become infected.
- Anal gaping: a small incision or tear in the tissue that feeds the anus, similar to tears found in cracked lips or paper cuts. The gap is often due to the passing of large, hard stools and can be painful.
- Angiodysplasia: Angiodysplasia is a condition in which abnormal and fragile blood vessels cause bleeding.
- Gastric or peptic ulcer: an open sore in the stomach or duodenum, the upper tip of the small intestine. Many stomach ulcers are caused by an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Prolonged use or high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can also cause stomach ulcers.
- Polyps or cancer: Polyps are benign growths that can grow, bleed, and become cancerous. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer. It sometimes results in bleeding that is undetectable to the naked eye.
- Esophageal problems: Varicose veins or tears in the esophagus can lead to severe blood loss.
Signs of Bleeding while Passing stool
Signs of bleeding and passing stool can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some common signs or symptoms include:
- Visible blood in stool
- Change in stool color
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
Diagnosis of Bleeding while Passing stool
Doctors usually perform a visual or physical examination to check the affected area. This may include:
- Inserting a gloved or lubricated finger into the anus : This helps detect abnormalities, such as hemorrhoids.
- Endoscopic procedures : If a rectal hemorrhage is suspected, an endoscopic procedure may be necessary. This involves:
- Inserting a thin, flexible, illuminated scope into the anus.
- Using the endoscope's camera to view the area and check for signs of bleeding.
- Examples of endoscopic procedures for detecting rectal bleeding include sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.
- Blood tests : A doctor may also order a blood test, such as a complete blood count (CBC), to determine if there has been a significant loss of blood.
Treatment for Bleeding While Passing Stool
Managing Constipation: Increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and using stool softeners can help relieve constipation and reduce the risk of bleeding. Regular exercise also promotes healthy bowel movements.
Treating Hemorrhoids: Over-the-counter creams, warm baths, and lifestyle changes can alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms. In severe cases, medical procedures may be necessary.
Healing Anal Fissures: Anal fissures often heal with increased fiber intake and avoiding straining. Topical treatments and pain relief options may also be recommended by a healthcare provider.
Medical Intervention: If bleeding persists or is accompanied by severe pain, changes in stool appearance, or other symptoms, seek medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions such as gastrointestinal diseases or colorectal cancer.
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Book an AppointmentWhen Should I Visit a Doctor?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is advised to go to an emergency room immediately:
- Damp, sweet, or cold skin
- Severe abdominal pain or cramps
- Fever
- Dizziness or fainting
- Less urination than usual
- Nausea
- Blood
- Bloody diarrhoea
- Confusion, disorientation
- Problems to see
- Weight loss
Home Remedies for Bleeding While Passing Stool
- Eight to ten glasses of water a day are suggested.
- Every day, take a bath or shower and disinfect the skin around the anus.
- Reduce tension with bowel movements.
- Increase fiber in your diet with supplements like Metamucil, Benefiber, or foods like prunes.
- You do not sit on the toilet for a long time.
- To ease discomfort, add ice packs to the affected area.
- Bath: It is a warm bath with water deep enough to cover the hips and buttocks, which can help relieve some of the symptoms of haemorrhoids, such as itching, pain, and discomfort.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, as it contributes to dehydration, which is one of the causes of constipation.
