It can be extremely alarming to see red, black or discolored stool in the toilet after going to the bathroom, but it is a reality for many Americans. Bloody or discolored stool can be caused by a number of different things, but oftentimes it signals that there is a bleed somewhere in your digestive tract. How concerned should you be if you notice blood in your stool, and how are these issues treated by a gastrointestinal specialist? We answer those questions and more in today’s blog.
What Causes Bloody Stools?
As we noted in the intro, blood in your stool suggests that there is a bleed somewhere along the digestive tract. Oftentimes the stool color can give you more information about where the bleed is located, as black or tarry stools may suggest that the bleed is higher up in your digestive tract, whereas red stool may indicate that the bleed occurs closer to the end of the tract. Regardless of the color of your stool, if it appears abnormal, you’ll want to reach out to your primary care physician or a GI specialist sooner rather than later.
Some conditions that can lead to bleeding along the gastrointestinal tract include:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Long-term inflammation along the digestive tract can lead to tissue damage and bleeding.
- Bacterial Infection – A bacterial infection can trigger IBD and lead to digestive tract bleeds. Salmonella, E coli and similar bacterial infections can lead to loose or even bloody stools.
- Peptic Ulcer – A peptic ulcer is a sore that forms in the stomach or upper intestine, and it can lead to intestinal bleeding and bloody stools.
- Colitis – Colitis is a condition categorized by inflammation of the colon, and one of the symptoms of the problem is bleeding.
- Diverticular Disease – Diverticula are small pouches that project from your colon wall, and while they don’t typically cause problems, if they become inflamed or infected, bleeding can occur.
- Anal Fissures – A tear or small cut in the lining of the anus can lead to rectal bleeding and the appearance of blood in the toilet. These wounds may be more common after passing a large stool or dealing with constipation.
- Polyps Or Cancer – The formation of polyps or tumors along the GI tract can also lead to bleeding and bloody stools.
Treating Bloody Stools
As you can see, blood in your stool can be the result of a rather innocuous condition like an anal fissure, a much more serious condition like a polyp or cancer, or something in between. To figure out exactly what’s going on and the best way to treat the issue, you need to reach out to a doctor or a gastrointestinal specialist like Dr. Bhatti. Ignoring the issue and hoping that it goes away on your own can lead to more problems and prolonged wound healing, so don’t delay.
The diagnostic process will likely begin with a review of your medical history and a physical exam. This can give the doctor a better idea of what to look for during an imaging or exploratory test. You’ll also want to let your doctor know about any additional symptoms that you are dealing with, like nausea, vomiting, fever or weight loss. Some of the more common diagnostic tests include:
- Colonoscopy
- Nasogastric Lavage
- Barium X-ray
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- Enteroscopy
- Angiography
As you might expect, treatment is highly individualized based on the underlying cause. For example, if bacteria is causing the bleeding or triggering IBD, all you may need is an antibiotic to clear up the issue over the course of a couple of days. Other bleeds may need to be addressed with a minimally invasive surgery to repair blood vessels or polyps that are contributing to the bleeding. Staying hydrated and eating a high fiber diet can help to prevent bleeding caused by anal fissures or hemorrhoids.
Medications and dietary improvements can oftentimes help provide the right environment for healing to occur, but for more serious issues, a minimally invasive procedure may be the right course of action. Either way, we’re confident that we can find the right treatment for you to put an end to your GI bleed. For more information, or for help with a different gastrointestinal issue, reach out to Dr. Bhatti and the team at Bhatti GI Consultants today at (952) 368-3800.
